Legal awards 2014

Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Kenya “We are deeply honoured and pleased with this award. It has marked the beginning of a new season for our firm and it has set us apart as the Corporate Commercial Law Firm of choice.”

- Nelson Ashitiva, Ashitiva & Co. Advocates

Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Sweden “We are proud and happy to have received this award. It’s great recognition of the work we do within the areas of commercial law, which is our main area of practice.”

- Hanna Vikström, Partner, Avenir Advokater

Antitrust Litigator of the Year - USA “We are very pleased to be recognised by the Legal Awards for our work on the Best Buy TFT-LCD Antitrust Litigation trial. For the recipients, the awards represent peer acknowledgement to go along with the personal satisfaction that comes from a job well done.”

- Bob Freitas, Partner, Freitas Angell & Weinberg LLP

Global M&A Software Solution of the Year “The award is a recognition of the unique Midaxo platform to help corporate M&A professionals and their advisors succeed in their important and sophisticated work.”

- Kaija Katariina Erkkilä, Founder and CEO, Midaxo

Best Family Law Firm - New Jersey “It’s good to see that people are taking notice of the firm in a very competitive marketplace. It is refreshing that our high ethical standards and professional excellence is recognised in a market that has so many competing law firms and lawyers.”

- Brad Micklin, Lead Attorney and Managing Member, The Micklin Law Group

Best in Strategic Regulatory Consultancy - UK “I set the firm up 11 years ago and am delighted to have been awarded Strategic Regulatory Consultants of the Year 2014.”

- Richard Parlour, Principal, FMLI

“The world just got a whole lot smaller.”

We hear from the remotest office in the world...

Antarctic Fiscal Law

Best in Fiscal Law – Antarctica

2014 Legal Awards | 3

Welcome to the Acquisition International Legal Awards 2014.

The Awards are given to commend outstanding work around the legal world over the past 12 months, recognising excellence in everything from commercial litigation and arbitration to immigration law, insolvency and niche areas.

Nominated by clients, peers and fellow professionals; voted for by our subscribers; and agreed by our industry experts, the Awards provide a window onto the ever-changing legal landscape.

And it truly has been an exciting – and challenging – year for the global legal market.

Firms continue to feel the effects of the global downturn, both in terms of difficult markets and a growing regulatory burden. In some jurisdictions, changes to the legal business model present yet more competition.

But the M&A market is once again on the rise, and IPOs are booming. Rising business confidence has delivered a positive effect throughout much of the legal sector, boosting demand and offering a wealth of new opportunities for legal professionals.

Furthermore, a steady stream of technological innovations is ensuring that IP professionals are being kept busy. Arbitration and mediation are also on the rise as organisations seek alternative dispute resolution methods.

Our awards show that the legal world is packed with professionals who are up to both tackling the legal world’s challenges and capitalising on the opportunities it presents – not just surviving in this often difficult environment, but positively thriving.

Among our winners this year is Ashitiva & Company Advocates, which has been named Commercial Law Firm of the Year – Kenya. The firm is committed to providing personalised professional legal services, while employing an energetic blend of youth, experience and dedication to providing legal solutions and strategies to clients. Find out more on page 8.

Taking the title of Commercial Law Firm of the Year – Sweden is Avenir Advokater, a Norrköping-based business law firm with new ways of thinking. Hanna Vikström, Partner, tells us how this young firm is striving to modernise the legal profession, on page 12.

On page 16 we hear from Bob Freitas, Partner at Freitas Angell & Weinberg LLP, a Silicon Valley-based law firm focusing on antitrust and competition law litigation and counselling, intellectual property litigation, insurance recovery claims and disputes for policy holders, and complex litigation for technology companies.

It’s been a busy year for The Micklin Law Group, which has been named Best Family Law Firm – New Jersey. On page 18, Brad Micklin, Lead Attorney and Managing Member, tells us more about the firm and its services – which, he says, are “unlike any other law firm”.

G.O. Bello and Company, in Lagos, is a general practice law firm focused on Nigeria’s vibrant real estate market. We hear more on page 31.

Based in Auckland, New Zealand, Queen City Law is a highly specialised boutique law firm; its areas of expertise include property and construction, immigration (especially for ultra-high-net-worth individuals) and litigation. Marcus Beveridge, Principal, gives us an insight into how the firm is thriving in these niche areas on page 45.

And there are plenty more success stories to be found within the pages of our supplement – so read on and find out whose hard work and expertise has led to them being named Legal Awards 2014 winners… www.acquisition-intl.com

4 | 2014 Legal Awards

Antarctic Fiscal Law

Ashitiva & Company Advocates

Avenir Advokater

Best in Fiscal Law - Antarctica / Page 6

Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Kenya / Page 8

Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Sweden / Page 12

Financial Markets Law International

Freitas Angell & Weinberg LLP

The Micklin Law Group

Best in Strategic Regulatory Consultancy - UK / Page 14

Antitrust Litigator of the Year - USA / Page 16

Best Family Law Firm - New Jersey / Page 18

Midaxo

Aecon

Arias, Meurinne, Orendain Y Rodríguez

Global M&A Software Solution of the Year / Page 20

Sustained Excellence in Construction – Canada / Page 22

Tax Litigator of the Year - Mexico / Page 23

Antarctic Fiscal Law

Arias, Meurinne, Orendain y Rodríguez Aronson Mayefsky & Sloan, LLP

Bilkey Law Corp.

Cabinet Sales

Best Matrimonial Law Firm - New York / Page 24

Best Insurance Law Boutique - British Columbia / Page 25

Employment Law Firm of the Year - Haiti / Page 26

Condon Associates

Dr. Ihlas GmbH

Egorov Puginski Afanasiev & Partners

Best in Turnaround - Australia / Page 27

Best German Insurance Broker / Page 28

Best for International Arbitration - Russia / Page 29

Frost Attorneys

G & O Bello & Co

Giambrone Law

Tax Practicioner of the Year - South Africa / Page 30

Construction Law Firm of the Year - Nigeria / Page 31

Full Service Law Firm of the Year - Italy / Page 32

G & O Bello Gianni Origoni Grippo Cappelli & Partners

The Glicken Law Firm

The Griffith Firm

Best for M&A - Italy / Page 33

Best Florida Lawyer - Divorce & Matrimonial Issues / Page 34

Best Independent Litigator - New York / Page 35

The Griffith Firm www.acquisition-intl.com

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Group Law Firm

Gulf Legal Consultants

Gurlich & Co.

Project Finance Law Firm of the Year - Turkey / Page 36

Overall Law Firm of the Year - Qatar / Page 37

Best in Business Transactions - Czech Republic / Page 38

GÜRLICH &Co. Harter Secrest & Emery LLP

Kanzlei Arndt

Klein Lyons

Best New York Lawyer - Health Care / Page 39

Best for Tax Issues in European M&A’s / Page 40

Best in Auto Accidents - Canada / Page 41

Ntrakwah & Co

Phillips & Associates

PwC

Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Ghana / Page 42

Best USA Lawyer - Discrimination Issues / Page 43

Best in Executive Compensation - Netherlands / Page 44

Queen City Law

Regulatory Law Chambers

Rosemblum & Newfield

Construction Law Firm of the Year - New Zealand / Page 45

Best in Energy Regulation Law - Canada / Page 46

Medical Liability Practicioners of the Year - USA / Page 47

Rosenblum & Newfield The Saudi Office Lawyers & Consultants

Sena & Berton Moreno

Simbolon & Partners

Law Firm of the Year - Saudi Arabia / Page 48

Best in Intellectual Property Law - Argentina / Page 49

Most Innovative Law Firm - Indonesia / Page 50

TSAA

Walker & Peskind, PLLC

Weber & Co. Rechtsanwalte

Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year - Romania / Page 51

Innovation Award: Sustained Excellence in Law - Arizona / Page 52

M&A Advisors of the Year - Austria / Page 53

Please remember that recognition from rating services or publications is no guarantee of future investment success.

Working with an adviser, regardless of how highly rated, does not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results.

These ratings should not be construed as an endorsement of the adviser by any client nor are they representative of any one client’s evaluations. www.acquisition-intl.com

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Best in Fiscal Law - Antarctica

Antarctic Fiscal Law AFL provides region-specific expert fiscal and legal advice to growing companies, high net worth individuals and investment funds wishing to be a part of the world’s largest natural resource, the Antarctic.

The firm’s clients include multi-national companies with globally dispersed ownership, management and operations, as well as closely held and family businesses looking for integrated legal solutions that emphasise tax efficiencies.

It is the company’s expertise that distinguishes it from other firms and its unique uni-geographical positioning allows it to provide fiscal and legal multi-sector, multi-jurisdictional advice.

AFL’s partners and practice experts frequently advise lesser legal and fiscal firms on aspects of their corporate, real estate and commercial transactions and provide tax advice to litigation attorneys working for clients previously unable to access our region.

We regularly advise on mergers and acquisitions, corporate equity and debt financings, partnership and joint venture transactions.

Services AFL offers a full service approach to doing business in the Southern Hemisphere.

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Allow us to break the ice on your rapidly diversifying investment portfolio.

Fact File Antarctic Fiscal Law Company: Antarctic Fiscal Law Name: Andreas Brown Email: reception@ antarctic-fiscal-law.com Web: www.antarctic-fiscal-law.com Address: 102 Glasgow Street, Ross Dependency, 150°03W 90°S, Antarctica Satellite phone: 1 800 418 8400

2014 2014 Legal Legal Awards Awards || 77

Legal Expertise • Commercial • Construction, Engineering & Procurement • Corporate Finance • Dispute Resolution • Employment, Pensions & Incentives • EU & Competition • Finance • Intellectual Property • Migration and Global Expansion/Mobility • Private Client • Real Estate • Regulatory & Compliance • Restructuring & Insolvency • Tax Financial Expertise • Antarctic Tax Advice • Funding • Private Equity and Venture Capital • International Investment • Hedge Funds Industry Experience • Offshore Investment • Energy & Natural Resources • Financial Institutions • Healthcare • Start-up Advisory • Infrastructure • Hotels, Sport & Leisure • Outsourcing and Business Services • Public Sector & Not For Profit • Real Estate • Retail • Security, Defence & Aerospace • Transport

We never polarize your investment potential.

Strength in knowledge, strength in numbers, strength in unity.

Legal & fiscal advice in the last place you'd expect to find it.

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Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Kenya

Ashitiva & Company Advocates We are a dynamic law firm based in Nairobi’s Upper Hill area, which is the commercial hub of the City of Nairobi. Ashitiva & Company Advocates is committed to providing personalised professional legal services, while employing an energetic blend of youth, experience and dedication to providing legal solutions and strategies to our clients.

Ashitiva & Company Advocates is a proactive law firm for the 21st Century, focused on meeting and exceeding client satisfaction in a wide variety of practice areas, including: Corporate and Commercial Law Ashitiva & Company Advocates has established itself as a leading corporate and commercial law firm, which provides a full range of corporate legal services.

The corporate and commercial legal service offered by the firm includes: Incorporation of Companies and Company Secretarial Services Ashitiva & Co. Advocates’ services include incorporation of micro-finance enterprises, none-government organisations, trusts, banks, insurance companies, export processing zones, venture capitalists and joint venture companies. We also provide to our clients company secretarial services, which include preparing and filing resolutions and returns relating to the said companies.

Corporate Re-structuring Mergers and Acquisitions We have been recognised locally and internationally as a reliable adviser on the restructuring of companies or groups of companies and on the structuring of commercial transactions to ensure that they are conducted in the most skilful manner. We help clients to creatively structure their strategic plans to align with the law, thus guaranteeing them long term competitive advantage.

Ashitiva & Co. Advocates Commercial Department has a long history of acquisitions and disposals of shares, businesses and business assets. Our clients have confirmed our prowess on sales and purchases of sole proprietorships, partnerships and shares and we handle a substantial and wide variety of acquisitions and disposals of companies, businesses and assets. We deliver prompt and efficient advice in commercial transactions.

Regulatory Advice Our firm has guided and continues to guide our clients on regulatory and compliance matters in various industries and sectors including power and energy sector, Cooperatives, banking, building societies, insurance companies, telecommunications, mining, environmental law and monopolies. We also advise our clients on compliance and the attainment of licenses such as financial service licenses (Central Bank of Kenya licenses) and securities licenses (Capital Markets Authority licenses).

Commercial Contracts and Agreements We have a proven track record in respect of preparation of commercial agreements such shareholders and partnership agreements, computer software and licensing agreements, leasing agreements, parastatal contracts and governmental contracts, employment, management and consultancy contracts, distribution and franchise agreements. We also carry out research and

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respond to all legal queries on different aspects of commercial contracts.

Due Diligence & Legal Opinions The firm has a well-prepared and organised approach to conducting due diligence in the course of undertaking a wide variety of commercial transactions, from preparing the initial enquiries and carrying out full investigations to fully reporting on its findings. In addition to preparing due diligence reports, the firm also provides legal opinions as required both in respect of transactions as a whole and/or in respect of Kenyan law and specific legal issues.

Capital Markets Ashitiva & Co. Advocates has significant expertise in capital markets transactions, its advocates having undertaken considerable capital market transactions on the Nairobi Stock Exchange. We have executed the following tasks on behalf of our various clients: • Legal due diligence in public floatation’s and private acquisitions • Listing of companies and share and bond Issues by way of public offers for sale and subscription • Takeovers of companies listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange • Privatisation of government-owned companies • Initial public stock offers • Share rights issues • Advice on compliance with capital markets legislation and the NSE rules and regulations • Structured and corporate finance • Reviewing and updating clients on changes in the Capital Markets Act and related legislation.

Foreign Direct Investment Ashitiva & Company Advocates are experts in the various legal aspects of foreign direct investment including formation of branches of offshore companies, incorporation of new companies as well as statutory and regulatory compliance including advising on employment and immigration law issues. The firm acts for a variety of international clients; commercial enterprises, development aid agencies, micro-finance corporations and charitable institutions. We facilitate investment in form of loans and/or equity participations. In addition, through the Law Summit International Network of law firms, we frequently regularly issue legal opinions to foreign law firms on the Kenyan Laws and regulation of businesses.

Private Equity Placements Businesses are becoming more innovative in sourcing their financing and we have seen private equity coming up as a source of finance for various organisations.

Fact File Ashitiva & Company Advocates

Ashitiva & Company Advocates is a proactive law firm for the 21st Century, focused on meeting and exceeding client satisfaction in a wide variety of practice areas.

Company: Ashitiva & Co. Advocates Name: Nelson Ashitiva Email: ashitiva@ashitivaadvocates.com Web: www.ashitivaadvocates.com www.lawsummitafrica.com Address: Victoria Towers, Ground Floor, Kilimanjaro Road Phone: +254 20 271 0080 +254 20 271 1180 +254 20 237 6082

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Under our Private Equity practice area, we offer advice in: • Mergers and Acquisitions • Fund Establishment • Buy-outs • Exits Whether you are the investor, a venture capitalist or the company seeking an investor, we will be able to assist and guide you.

Ashitiva & Co. Advocates also provides a wide range of private client and wealth management services to its individual clients.

Private client legal services include: • Wills and probate: The preparation of wills for both Kenyan and foreign estates.

• Private Trusts: Advising on and preparing private trusts (e.g. for maintenance, children, property) and public trusts (e.g. for charities, conservation) • Employment/criminal proceedings matters: Advising on personal employment law issues and assisting in the defence of senior employees of our established clients in conjunction with external criminal law specialists • Executorship/trustee services: Partners of the firm are frequently appointed as attorneys/ trustees and or executors for purposes of dealing with trusts or estates, particularly for overseas clients • Immigration: The firm also provides advice on Immigration law matters, obtaining Kenyan entry (work) permits of various classes and special passes

Finance, Banking Law & Securities In a growing economy like Kenya’s, debt is an important source of financing. Banks need to ensure that their lending is secure through proper security documentation and cross-border financing. Ashitiva & Co. Advocates provides a full range of financial legal services for several Kenyan and multinational banks and financial institutions and acts on their behalf in connection with their implementation of banking and project finance loan agreements and securities in respect of: • Land • Fixed Assets • Moveable Assets • Book Debts • Hire-Purchase • Conditional Sales • Non-performing Assets The securities range from simple charges and debentures to guarantees and complex debenture trust deeds and related ISDA SWAP documents.

We also prepare standard form documentation for banks and other financial institutions and have also advised and acted on a variety of asset leasing (e.g. aircraft, motor vehicles, plant and equipment). At times, due to the nature of a transaction, borrowers may find that it is necessary to borrow from more than one bank and sometimes these banks are in different countries.

Ashitiva & Company Advocates has had experience in loan syndication.

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In all instances, both the bank and the borrower need to have legal representation to ensure that their interests have been taken into consideration in the various contracts and more importantly, that both parties know their rights and obligations under the contracts.

other minerals including gypsum and even building stone other than common varieties. Mining rights relating to fossil fuels such as coal, fertiliser minerals such as phosphate and potash, and chemical minerals such as sodium and sulphur have also been explored by our clients under our legal oversight

Real Estate & Conveyancing Embarking on any property-related transaction requires experienced legal counsel with a strong industry understanding and specialised knowledge.

Ashitiva & Company Advocates have been involved in much of the development of the oil, energy and mining sector in Kenya.

The firm has advised the energy sector and on oil, mineral and precious stone exploration and mining operations in the country and the Kenyan legislation relating thereto, namely the Mining Act, the Electric Power Act and the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act.

Ashitiva and Company Advocates has a wealth of experience in all aspects of land law and property transactions in Kenya.

Whether structuring a complex development project or just assisting in the purchase of a new home, our team takes a result oriented, strategic approach to negotiating, documenting and completing all aspects of property transactions. The wide range of property transactions we undertake include: • Transfer of land • Leases (of land and buildings, for residential, commercial, agricultural or other uses) • Sub-division and amalgamation of land • Change of user of land • Caveats and cautions • Easements • Extension of government leases • Powers of attorney • Trusts relating to land • Wills Our clients are involved in all areas of real estate and include real estate developers, entrepreneurs, owners and tenants of commercial and residential buildings, shopping centres, hotels, schools and multi residential developments.

In addition, we keep our clients abreast of any developments in the law and guidelines relating to land transactions through our alerts.

Intellectual Property In today’s business environment the value of such intangible assets as thoughts, ideas and innovations cannot be overstated.

Intellectual property is one category of intangible assets. Depending on what exactly you may wish to protect and where on the map you would like this protection to apply, we will be able to offer you the following services: • Registration, assignments and renewal of trademarks in Kenya • Co-ordinating registrations, assignments and renewal of trademarks outside Kenya • Payment of annual maintenance fees on behalf of clients • Liaising with the Kenya Industrial Property Office to facilitate speedy processing of clients’ applications • Advising on appropriate policies, legal framework and novel laws and tactics to counter piracy and counterfeiting • Drafting appropriate legislations • Registered User Agreements for Trademarks • Registration of industrial designs • Intellectual Property Litigation • Registration of patents under the African Regional Industrial Property Organisation (ARIPO) protocol Oil, Energy & Mining We have assisted our clients, both foreign and local to understand and comply with the laws governing exploration for minerals on public domain lands and leasing of exploration and prospecting land. We have worked with various clients in mining of metallic minerals such as iron ore, gold, and copper, as well as

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The firm has been involved in the following sector developments: • Iron Ore exploration and mining • Titanium ore exploration • Gold exploration and mining • Onshore and Offshore Oil Exploration and Drilling • Drafting and reviewing agreements with the Government of Kenya In association with our practice in environmental law, we are better able to guide our sector clients through the environmental law and regulatory issues affecting their exploration and mining interests.

Litigation, Mediation and Arbitration Ashitiva & Company Advocates boasts of a vibrant litigation practice where we pursue and also defend our clients legal interests.

We have a wealth of experience in the following matters at all levels of the Kenyan courts up to the Supreme Court: • Admiralty claims • Arbitration • Bank litigation • Building contracts • Commercial disputes • Constitutional cases • Defamation • Infringement of intellectual property rights (trademarks, copyrights and patents) • Insurance claims • Judicial review • Marine claims • Mediation • Aircraft accidents • Medical negligence • Mortgage realisations • Partnership disputes • Procurement • Employment and labour related disputes • Environmental procurement disputes • General negligence • Recoveries and debt-collection • Work injuries compensation We also deal in all forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

This is an alternative to the court process of resolving disputes between parties. We are experienced in offering arbitration, conciliation, mediation and adjudication services, and other forms of ADR as requested by parties. We are members of the Chattered Institute of Arbitrators, Kenya Chapter. ADR reduces litigation costs and saves valuable management time, and is a powerful and effective public relations. It avoids the expense, delay, stress and divergence of time in bringing case to court, and helps business people preserve their business relationships and market reputation.

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Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Sweden

Avenir Advokater Avenir Advokater, based in in Norrköping, Sweden, is a business law firm with new ways of thinking. Hanna Vikström, Partner, told us how this young firm is striving to modernise the legal profession.

Avenir Advokater, in Norrköping, Sweden, is a modern law firm, with new ways of thinking. “We’re striving to modernise the profession and meet our clients on a more personal level,” says Hanna Vikström, Partner. “While still delivering high quality services from our experienced and skilled lawyers, we believe and have seen that today’s business clients appreciate a less conservative legal advisor with whom they can keep a personal and somewhat relaxed relationship, with modern communication paths and more pragmatic working methods, while maintaining the best legal assistance.” An important objective for the firm is to always keep an experienced partner involved in nearly every case, in order to ensure quality in all the firm’s work, she says.

“In order to achieve that, the firm’s partners work in very close cooperation with the associates and administrative personnel, and we have a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere in the office.”

Vikström says Avenir believes the legal profession in Sweden is facing a need for modernisation and less conservatism. “Clients should be able to feel comfortable with calling their lawyer; it should be a natural part of their business, rather than something uncomfortable that you do only if it is really necessary,” she says.

“We believe that Avenir has had a major influence in this respect in our market, and competitors have followed our example when it comes to modernising their approach. Also, the legal profession in general faces a generational shift, especially in the coming years. There is a need for older lawyers to make way for younger colleagues, which is a challenge for both the professionals and the clients.”

Avenir specialises in commercial litigation, drafting business contracts, mergers and acquisitions, public procurement and labour law. Within its geographical area, Avenir is one of few, if not the only, that specialises within all these important areas, and the firm also has one of the bankruptcy trustees in the area with the best reputation.

harmonised by European Community regulations which are constantly evolving, and there is a lack of uniform jurisprudence amongst Swedish courts. This is an increasingly important area for many of our business clients.”

Avenir, through partners Vikström and Henrik Stenberg, is representing more than 40 clients against Norwegian Acta Kapitalforvaltning and Icelandic Kaupthing Bank, regarding the responsibility for mortgaged structured financial products that lost their value when Lehman Brothers collapsed in 2008. The result was that many customers, who had been recommended these products by Acta in cooperation with Kaupthing as lender and organiser of the product, were deemed liable for payment of an amount of five times more than they thought they risked.

Kaupthing sued the customers for payment of the loan, which our clients contest. The customers in turn sued Acta for damages due to the occurred.

“The litigations, in which we are representing the customers against the two financial operators, are handled by the District Court of Stockholm,” says Vikström. “In total, there are 82 individual cases in the court. They have been going on since 2010, and is said to be largest civil litigation process ever in Sweden.

During the process, our clients have won several important procedural victories, both in the District Court and the Court of Appeal. We have recently reached a settlement in the cases, which will end the procedures in the court. The result of the settlement is that the customers will pay only a marginal part of Kaupthing’s claim – about 10% of the total claim as of today.

Acta and Kaupthing takes the responsibility for the remaining 90%. The settlement is very favourable for the customers, and the two financial actors have made a total turn in their previous approach with this agreement, right before the final hearings were about to start.”

The most rewarding aspect of Avenir’s work is to help corporations and other clients to operate their business in a fair and legally correct manner, says Vikström. “The possibility of a true fair trial, which cannot be taken for granted in all parts of the world, is an important condition for our clients to function, and we legal advisors are playing a very important role in this. Also, it is of course rewarding to achieve actual results, and help our clients to solve their legal issues in the best way.”

“The financial operators have been represented by four lawyers each, whilst the 41 customers have been represented solely by Hanna and Henrik from Avenir, which ensured the quality and continuity of the work. At their disposal were the law firm’s associates to assist them when necessary, but it is quite a remarkable achievement for the ‘small town’ law firm to have been carrying through these enormous and extensive procedures in such a successful manner. The case has certainly put Avenir ‘on the map’, and shows a great capacity, despite the firm’s ‘smallness’.”

Sweden’s unique labour and consumer laws, which offer a high level of protection to the weak party, present a challenge when working with business clients – particularly international clients that may have a hard time understanding the laws of Sweden, Vikström says. “Also, an area under rapid development, which keeps us busy, is the laws of public procurement. These are

Other cases which demonstrate Avenir’s specialised knowledge and skills include the firm’s assistance to a large international company with headquarters in Germany when it comes to acquisitions within the Scandinavian market, where the company in recent years have grown through acquisitions. This is something not too many law firms outside the larger cities like Stockholm

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Fact File

“We are proud and happy to have received this award, it’s the second year now for us, last year we received the award Commercial Litigations Firm of the year in Sweden. It’s a great recognition of the work we do within the areas of Commercial law, which is our main area of practice.”

Company: Avenir Advokater Name: Hanna Vikström Email: hanna.vikstrom@ aveniradvokater.se Web: www.aveniradvokater.se Address: Drottninggatan 19 SE-602 24 Norrköping Phone: +46 11 – 10 37 10 Fax: +46 11 – 10 37 15

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Downtown Norrkoping, Sweden

are qualified to assist in, and again, Avenir shows that it is a business legal advisor to rely on, even in the most advanced matters, Vikström says.

“Also, within public procurement and especially in representing tenders in appeal processes, we stand out on our market when it comes to experience of these types of cases, and also the success-factor, which our clients appreciate since it is a difficult area of practice.”

On being named Commercial Law Firm of the Year – Sweden in the Legal Awards, Vikström says, “We are proud and happy to have received this award, it’s the second year now for us, last year we received the award Commercial Litigations Firm of the year in Sweden. It’s a great recognition of the work we do within the areas of Commercial law, which is our main area of practice.

“AI’s Legal Awards are honourable awards to be given, and in general, we believe these kinds of awards and recognitions are valuable both to clients and the professionals. It encourages legal advisors to keep moving forward in their business and strive towards new ambitions.”

Looking to the future, Avenir is set to grow, says Vikström. “As demand for our services is increasing, we plan to hire more lawyers in the coming year or so. But we do not plan to become larger just for the sake of it. We intend to keep our personal and close relationship to clients and maintain the ‘large-firm-qualifications’ in the small firm’s shape, and keep up our enjoyable atmosphere and close cooperation between colleagues at the office, as well as our client-focused work.”

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14 | 2014 Legal Awards

Best in Strategic Regulatory Consultancy - UK

Financial Markets Law International Founded in 2003, Financial Markets Law International’s mission is to provide integrated commercial solutions to its clients’ financial markets needs. Richard Parlour, Principal, outlines the firm’s profit- enhancing solutions.

Financial Markets Law International is a niche law firm and consultancy practising in international financial markets with a network that now covers 140 jurisdictions worldwide. Our team has around 25 years’ experience each and can cover a variety of disciplines, thus being able to provide holistic solutions to financial markets issues. I, Richard Parlour, set the firm up 11 years ago and am delighted to have been awarded Strategic Regulatory Consultants of the Year 2014. We act for a range of financial institutions, corporates, government departments, financial intelligence units, regulators and law firms.

A further issue is that many are interpreting regulation too strictly and refusing to carry on business in jurisdictions where it is completely legal to do so. An example is a number of institutions giving Turkey a wide berth, allegedly constrained by the appearance of Turkey on the FATF list of jurisdictions where there is an AML systemic deficiency. Yet this is in stark contrast to the approach of UKTI which is trying to find ways of doubling business with Turkey following a directive to do so from Downing Street! A lot of institutions are therefore getting themselves into strategic regulatory difficulty, often of their own making.

Our key focus is on profit enhancing compliance solutions. 2014 has continued to see ever increasing fines on financial institutions and leading corporates on matters ranging from misselling to sanctions breaches. The reasons given for these misdemeanours vary across a number of standard statements. However, in reality, all of these incidents have one common theme. The business model and the compliance function of such organisations have not been designed to work together. This leads to constant tension with the regulator, increased risk, lost opportunities and lost profits. Yet the business model and compliance function are two wheels on the same axle, so when one veers off in a different direction, or comes off altogether, it is no surprise that the organisation runs into difficulties. Those which have been fined are not the only ones where there is this strategic and architectural difficulty between the business model and the compliance function and more suffer from this strategic weakness than meets the eye from media reporting.

Now many institutions hate compliance, some with a vengeance.

They see the cost, but not the benefit. They see business prevention, not business opportunity. They attend training, but can’t remember what was taught. There are increasing complaints about the cost of compliance and recruitment drives to add numbers quickly. Yet this does not solve the underlying strategic architectural issue, and if anything, just throwing numbers at the issue is making matters worse for many.

However, you can’t run a business without compliance. It’s vital.

We have been working on a unique system to align business needs with compliance requirements in such a way as to keep both the regulator and shareholders happy.

Our solution covers ALL the reasons why people comply, and why they don’t, so it is comprehensive. There are five key compliance forces at play in any organisation and in any market. Most organisations and markets cover only two of the five forces at best. At market level, there have been some retrograde steps in recent years. The abandonment of self-regulation in particular, has removed one of the vital regulatory cushions, so in markets where this has taken place, regulation has deteriorated into a head on battle between the regulator and the regulated. These markets are characterised by the regulator becoming increasingly authoritarian, rather than authoritative, and by the regulated trying desperately hard to stay out of trouble by writing compliance procedures to satisfy the regulator rather than addressing the true risks to the business. These are markets where the most punitive action is curiously on the gatekeepers rather than the ungodly who actually commit the financial crime!

So our solution covers all five compliance forces. We also build the solution so the compliance function and business model work together. That way, those in an organisation for whom compliance may not be top of their agenda usually won’t even notice that they are compliant.

Now, to achieve this result, you can’t just rewrite compliance procedures. So we start with a full diagnosis. We aim to carry out risk reviews to the intensity found in military aerospace. We find

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Fact File

Financial Markets Law International is a niche law firm and consultancy practising in international financial markets with a network that now covers 140 jurisdictions worldwide.

Company: Financial Markets Law International Name: Richard Parlour Address: Netherley House, 18 Watford Road, St. Albans, Herts AL1 2AJ Email: rp@fmli.co.uk Web: www.fmli.co.uk Phone: +44 1727 845897 Fax: +44 1727 855838 Mob: +44 7798 838125

2014 Legal Awards | 15

ways of hardwiring compliance processes to the business model.

We attempt to get right into relevant databases to weed out the financial crime element and find the hidden profits. We then embed the new system with Accelerated Learning techniques which have been shown to increase performance by 400%. We put all this into a robust remediation programme to avert the danger of slipping back into old habits.

We have found the model to be pretty versatile, so it can be used in its entirety across an organisation, or cut vertically to address certain issues such as corporate governance, sales, innovation, financial crime, due diligence or training. Alternatively, the model can be introduced into discreet business units. So the model is very flexible. There is some commitment required, however, and for it to succeed, those in a position of authority need to recognise the need for change, be willing to learn and up for success.

Full and open access is needed to people as well as documentation. The results are definitely worth the investment however, and we usually find that the ungodly go elsewhere, management can focus on business generation rather than politics and firefighting, reduced stress levels result in a better environment for productivity and innovation, so there is a resultant increase in profitability.

Encouragingly, not only does the model work in any kind of financial institution, but it also works in other sectors, and in other countries. So it is both scalable and internationally portable.

Cathedral and Abbey Church of Saint Alban in St.Albans, UK www.acquisition-intl.com

16 | 2014 Legal Awards

Antitrust Litigator of the Year - USA

Freitas Angell & Weinberg LLP Freitas Angell & Weinberg LLP, based in Silicon Valley, focuses on antitrust and competition law litigation and counselling, intellectual property litigation, insurance recovery claims and disputes for policyholders, and complex litigation for technology companies. We spoke to Partner Bob Freitas, about the firm and its recent success.

Based in Redwood Shores, California, Freitas Angell & Weinberg LLP (FAWLAW) is a boutique litigation firm founded in 2011 by a group of lawyers who previously worked at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in Silicon Valley. FAWLAW’s focus is antitrust and competition law litigation and counselling, intellectual property litigation, insurance recovery claims and disputes for policyholders, and complex litigation for technology companies.

FAWLAW represents large and small companies and individuals that are mostly based in the US and Asia. The firm’s antitrust practice is primarily defence work in cartel cases. FAWLAW offers a flexible, non-traditional billing approach, including fixed fees and contingent fees in select matters.

FAWLAW’s success in the Legal Awards – it has been voted Antitrust Litigator of the Year – USA – caps a hugely successful, and busy, couple of years for the firm. FAWLAW achieved an unprecedented result in a civil jury trial against several Best Buy companies in the TFT-LCD Antitrust Litigation. FAWLAW’s client had pleaded guilty to fixing the prices of TFT-LCD panels in a related criminal case, but the jury awarded less than 1% of the damages claimed. “Companies that plead guilty to price fixing are rarely willing to face the risks of follow on civil litigation under US law,” says Freitas. “Damages in price fixing cases are automatically trebled, and participants in a price fixing conspiracy are liable for all of the damages associated with the sales by all other conspirators. The Best Buy plaintiffs sought single damages of US$770m, which would have been trebled to more than US$2.3bn. The jury awarded only US$7.4m.

“We are very pleased to be recognised by the Legal Awards for the unprecedented result we achieved in the Best Buy TFT-LCD Antitrust Litigation trial.”

Freitas says he feels awards such as the Legal Awards give the legal profession an opportunity to recognise and publicise exceptional achievement. “For the recipients, the awards represent peer acknowledgement to go along with the personal satisfaction that comes from a job well done.”

Asked what is the most rewarding aspect of working in the legal profession, Freitas says the greatest reward comes from the satisfaction of delivering solutions to clients’ most important legal problems.

Although FAWLAW is at the moment a relatively compact firm, Freitas feels it stands out because of the quality and breadth of its work and the intensity of its lawyers. “We are a small firm, and we have been in existence for less than four years, but we have been honoured in both our antitrust and patent practices. Our track record shows that no compromise is involved in selecting us over larger or more expensive firms.

“These are interesting times for the legal profession,” says Freitas. “There is increased competition for desirable work, in part because of greater cost sensitivity from many clients.

Another aspect of the increased competition is the result of the establishment of an increasing number of smaller firms like ours.

Entrepreneurial lawyers like us are rethinking the law firm model and coming up with new ways to deliver high quality service and results at a reasonable cost.

“Recent years have seen a large number of criminal price fixing cases and follow on civil litigation in the U.S. Government enforcement in Canada, Brazil, Europe, China, and elsewhere has also increased substantially, and the developments in private enforcement in Europe will mean continued growth for global competition litigation.

“Patent litigation in the US is in a time of rapid change. The Supreme Court has shown a continued interest in patent law, and the Court issued a series of important decisions in its most recent term. “Many think the Supreme Court’s decisions have lessened the need for legislative reform to address perceived abuses in the patent litigation system, but the Republican takeover of the Senate may increase the likelihood of legislative change.”

In a wider sense, the legal profession in 2014 is still feeling the effects of the 2008 financial crisis, Freitas says. “The financial crisis resulted in permanent changes in the relationships between lawyers and clients. Our firm is impacted by these changes, but not in the same way as larger firms.

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Fact File

“For the recipients, the awards represent peer acknowledgement to go along with the personal satisfaction that comes from a job well done.”

Company: Freitas Angell & Weinberg LLP Name: Bob Freitas Email: info@fawlaw.com Web: www.fawlaw.com Address: 350 Marine Parkway, Suite 200, Redwood Shores, CA 94065 USA Phone: +1 650 593 6300

2014 Legal Awards | 17

San Francisco’s Bay Bridge at sunset

Our specialization and cost effectiveness help us stand out and reduce to some extent the impact of the developments affecting the profession as a whole.”

Being based in Silicon Valley – the centre of the technology universe – gives FAWLAW the opportunity to live and work among the world’s greatest innovators, and to observe first-hand how technology changes the legal profession and the world, says Freitas, adding that the firm’s location in northern California also places it in one of the most important venues for cartel litigation in the US. Over the coming months and years, the firm expects to continue its focus on its existing practice areas, says Freitas. “We think the industry trends favour firms like ours that can deliver personal, high quality services without the bureaucracy and high cost of larger firms.”

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18 | 2014 Legal Awards

Best Family Law Firm - New Jersey

The Micklin Law Group The attorneys at The Micklin Law Group in Nutley, New Jersey represent individuals and families in all aspects of estate planning, probate and family law. Brad Micklin, Lead Attorney and Managing Member, tells us more.

The Micklin Law Group is a boutique law firm concentrated in divorce, family law and estate planning and litigation cases.

The firm represents clients from all walks of life in all counties throughout New Jersey, and its lawyers have more than 30 years of collective experience in all types of divorce family and estate planning cases.

On being named Best Family Law Firm – New Jersey in the Legal Awards, Brad Micklin, Lead Attorney and Managing Member, says it’s good to see that people are taking notice of the firm in a very competitive marketplace. “It is refreshing that our high ethical standards and professional excellence is recognised in a market that has so many competing law firms and lawyers,” he says.

The past 12 months have been successful for Micklin Law Group. “Our hard work and dedication has been recognised, in addition to this AI award, with our firm being honoured by our receipt of the Top Lawyers in New Jersey Award for 2014 from the Legal Network, the Excellent Rated attorney award from Avvo for 2012, 2013, and 2014, and the client distinction award from Martindale Hubble in 2013 and 2014,” Micklin says.

Asked about the current state of the legal profession, Micklin says the increased use of the internet has enabled people to better choose their legal representation, because they have access to a wealth of information from all sources. “The biggest challenge that we face in this ever-growing market is to remain competitive by providing outstanding service and ensuring that the community is aware of the care we place into our cases,” he says.

Differentiation other than simply by brand is of course key to client attraction and retention in 2014. How does Micklin Law Group distinguish itself? “We offer services unlike any other law Midtown Manhattan at sunset

firm,” says Micklin. “We have attorneys who are available and on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Personal service is the hallmark of our practice and has always been since our opening in 2001. We provide clients not only the comfort of knowing that they have an attorney throughout their entire case but that they will have a relationship with us in our firm long after their case is closed. We are always available for consultation questions.

“Areas that we handle well are in the arena of complex, high conflict and high net worth litigation cases. Whether it be a high net worth divorce case or high asset will contest, we have the scale of resources of a larger firm but the boutique nature of our setup allows us to have more personal, close relationships to our clients.

As we move into 2015 and beyond, we hope to expand our firm but maintain the boutique nature necessary to ensure that we never lose our ability to remain in day-to-day contact with our clients.”

Having a firm located in northern New Jersey brings its own challenges, Micklin says, in that there is a diverse range of social economic classes seeking legal representation. “This creates a great demand for legal services but the average client is unaware of what to look for in attorneys having rarely, if ever, needed one in the past. We try to tailor our marketing in ways that show the work we do for our clients, not just marketing to spread our name.”

As for the most rewarding aspect of the firm’s work, Micklin says it is helping people who have been living in very challenging, difficult circumstances and allowing them to move on and forward.

Transparency plays a big part in the legal profession, and Micklin says that it presents a challenge in a service-based industry like law. “This is because, day-to-day, many people lose sight of the small details. We ensure that this does not happen by periodically sending customer service surveys to all of our active clients. This provides us immediate feedback regarding our level of service from all our clients throughout their entire legal matters.”

Key to success in any business, says Micklin, is innovation.

“Lawyers and law firms need to realise that people have greater access to technology, which includes items like pre-printed legal forms. We need to be able to provide better, faster and simpler services so that we can compete with increases in technology, while still providing personalised service.”

Looking to the future, Micklin says the firm has plans to hire more staff and cement its strong reputation. “We have been fortunate to experience continuing growth since we opened our doors in 2001 and plant to continue this growth in the upcoming months and years. It is our intention and hope to add two more Associates and to further specialise our concentration in divorce, family law and estate planning litigation.”

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Fact File

“It is refreshing that our high ethical standards and professional excellence is recognised in a market that has so many competing law firms and lawyers.”

Company: The Micklin Law Group Name: Brad Micklin Address: 187 Washington Ave, Suite 2F Nutley, NJ 07110 USA Email: info@micklinlawgroup.com Web: www.micklinlawgroup.com Phone: +1 973-562-0100

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Benjamin Franklin Bridge as seen from New Jersey

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20 | 2014 Legal Awards

Global M&A Software Solution of the Year

Midaxo Although companies increasingly rely on M&A to reach their growth targets, studies show that as many as 70% of M&A deals fail to meet set goals. With its leading cloud-based global M&A platform, Midaxo’s mission is to help companies succeed in M&A. We spoke to Midaxo’s founders Kaija Katariina Erkkilä, CEO, and Kalle Kilpi, COO, to find out more.

Midaxo, which has been named Global M&A Software Solution of the Year by Acquisition International Magazine, is a unique platform that helps corporate M&A professionals and their advisors succeed in their important and sophisticated work.

The firm operates with a Software-as-a-Service concept and delivers its M&A platform to its customers over the web.

Midaxo distinguishes itself with a platform that – even for the most technophobic head of corporate development and M&A – is incredibly quick to learn and easy to use, without a consulting effort to implement, configure or to train users. Midaxo is so sure, in fact, that new users will love the platform that it offers a free trial, available on its web site, to prove the point.

“

With the Midaxo platform, we help our customers define their M&A process clearly and execute it efficiently.

”

M&A leaders themselves can import, design, or adapt the builtin best practice process to suit their specific requirements and terminology. They can flexibly grant and manage access rights to internal stakeholders and external advisors – from full access to a specific focus on a company, task, or a document. They can also map the integration process, including interdependencies of actions, and track and report execution and issue resolution in real time. Everything is in one place, end-to-end.

The Midaxo platform is extremely flexible, allowing M&A teams to constantly adjust and improve their process, building on best practices and lessons learned – essentially embedding more intelligence into the process itself and automating low-value-added activities (such as creating reports). The platform functions as a repository for ever-improving M&A documents and checklists, making it simpler and faster to execute the next transaction.

In addition to providing unmatched technical security, Midaxo ensures process integrity through configurable access controls, managed document visibility, and an auditable log of all activities.

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Kaija Katariina Erkkilä

In short, Midaxo’s M&A platform changes the way M&A professionals plan, execute, and integrate transactions. The platform makes the M&A process more efficient and repeatable by building on past experiences and accumulating best practices.

It engages internal stakeholders and external advisors in a structured and collaborative way that allows professionals to focus on their highest value-added activities and eliminate or automate unnecessary steps. It serves as a constant watchdog to ensure execution and compliance. It helps professionals avoid mistakes and achieve more successful outcomes. And finally, it provides unparalleled security and protects confidentiality.

Simplifying M&A Midaxo has already gained a number of high-profile fans from around the business world. Sergio E. Letelier, Vice President and Associate General Counsel, M&A, Corporate Transactions and International Governance, Hewlett Packard, says the firm has adopted Midaxo as its go-to tool for managing the M&A process. “We have a detailed M&A process with many stages and looked for a tool to fit,” he says. “We found Midaxo and discovered how flexible it is to configure to our needs. We have launched Midaxo full speed and use it as our single platform for managing M&A transactions. There is no tool that compares to Midaxo in terms of ease of use and user-friendly interface. I would definitely recommend Midaxo and suggest investing the right amount of time to configure it to your practice for the best leverage of a great platform.”

Detail of the visual pipeline view in Midaxo.

Fact File

Midaxo supports a wide range of companies, including customers with annual revenues from US$50m to US$120bn. While

Kalle Kilpi In Europe: Company: Midaxo, Ltd. Kaija Katariina Erkkilä – CEO Kalle Kilpi – COO Address: Unioninkatu 7B17 00130 Helsinki, Finland Email: kalle.kilpi@midaxo.com Phone: +358 (0) 505 013 682 ----------------------------------------In the US: Company: Midaxo, Inc. Ari J. Salonen – President Address: 287 Emerson Road Lexington, MA 02420 Email: ari.salonen@midaxo.com Phone: +1 617 818 0501 ----------------------------------------Web: www.midaxo.com

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not all are frequent acquirers or restructurers, these companies nonetheless actively scan the market and manage their pipeline of targets. They are focused on constantly improving their M&A process – and Midaxo is their tool of choice.

Challenging Misconceptions Midaxo believes that removing the obstacles to establishing and joining a shared end-to-end M&A process enables collaboration, efficiency, and higher quality – resulting in measurably better business outcomes. “There is value in capturing synergies earlier, ensuring comprehensiveness in due diligence and running a streamlined integration effort,” says Kaija Katariina Erkkilä, founder and CEO. “At the same time, mistakes in M&A are costly, delays are detrimental and non-compliance could land a CEO on the front page of the Wall Street Journal!”

Prior to forming Midaxo, Kaija Katariina lived and worked in the US, and has spent 16 years working in the corporate world and 12 years as an M&A consultant and author of M&A books.

“I saw that M&A was a poorly organised process,” she says. “I realised the processes were very, very limited. I felt bad about the waste of money, energy and human resources.”

Kaija Katariina believes there are many misconceptions about M&A including the idea that M&A is an “event”, rather than a process. She emphasises, “If there is no organised process, then the transaction and the integration are not being properly carried out.”

She began looking for alternatives to the typical tools used during the M&A process such as spreadsheets and email. Existing programs designed for managing M&A all required programming experience. “It has to be intuitive because M&A work is often added to already-full schedules,” she says.

Enter Kalle Kilpi, a software entrepreneur who founded two companies offering business information services and company analysis products for over 7000 clients. Kaija Katariina and Kalle meet for the first time at an IMD Alumni event in 2007.

Kaija Katariina then joined Kalle’s enterprise as an investor and eventually the idea for Midaxo was born through their work together.

“We’ve built a tool that’s easy, fun and intuitive to use,” says Kalle. “With the Midaxo platform, we help our customers define their M&A process clearly and execute it efficiently.”

The two-tiered platform has a configurable pipeline and integrates full project management capabilities. “Having everything stored on a robust platform with flexible and specific access rights increases security tremendously compared to using email and other typical tools,” says Kalle.

Looking Ahead It’s been a very successful year for Midaxo, culminating in the firm being named Global M&A Software Solution of the Year in the Acquisition International Legal Awards. On receiving the award, Kaija Katariina says, “We are excited that M&A practitioners achieve immediate and substantial results with our platform. We love the stories of how our clients manage a pipeline of hundreds of targets, how they expedite capturing synergies, how they efficiently engage their teams and advisors, and how they constantly improve their end-to-end process.

“We are proud to set the benchmark for M&A platforms, and thank Acquisition International for the honour.”

Out of all of Midaxo’s successes and high-profile endorsements, Kaija Katariina says her biggest achievement during the last financial year has been, simply, proving that Midaxo works.

“We’re still at the start-up phase,” she says, “but people are confident in what we’re doing.” She also adds that Midaxo has no plans to slow down and that the company will expand over the coming year, specifically in the US market.

“

It has to be intuitive because M&A work is often added to already-full schedules.

”

Midaxo features and functions cover the entire M&A process.

www.acquisition-intl.com

22 | 2014 Legal Awards

Sustained Excellence in Construction – Canada

Aecon For more than a century, Aecon and its predecessor companies have helped to build many of Canada’s most famous landmarks and have been building major infrastructure, energy and mining projects around the world.

Winner of the Leader’s League 2013 Best In-House Department in Canada award, Aecon’s Legal and Commercial Department of 15 professionals is focused on solutions. They pride themselves on providing advice that is business-enabling and practical. The group has expanded from 3 lawyers to 9 over the last 5 years, enabling them to in-source most legal work except for litigation.

Lawyers are aligned to every aspect of the company’s operations, allowing them to expand beyond the traditional role as legal advisors, serving also as business advisors and risk managers.

The team employs its common sense approach along with business acumen and strong legal skills to align and connect with operations. This value add approach has enabled the successful growth of the department.

Aecon Group Inc. is Canada’s premier construction and infrastructure development company and partner-of-choice for large-scale construction projects. Aecon provides integrated turnkey services to private and public sector clients in the market sectors of Infrastructure, Energy, and Mining. As Canada’s largest publicly traded construction company (TSX: ARE), Aecon has built iconic landmarks such as the CN Tower, St. Lawrence Seaway and the Halifax Shipyard, as well as countless miles of the hidden framework Canada is built upon. Aecon has also built toll roads, airports, hydroelectric and other major projects around the world.

From designing and constructing airport terminals, highways and hydroelectric dams, to excavating subway tunnels and utility corridors, Aecon Infrastructure is a trusted leader in developing critical infrastructure for both public and private sector clients.

Aecon Energy offers a suite of unparalleled services to some of Canada’s largest energy suppliers, providing best-in-class solutions to the oil and gas, nuclear, co-generation, and renewable sectors.

Aecon Mining has been purpose-built to serve our clients across Canada offering turn-key services for both mine installations and contract mining with a reputation for safety, reliability and performance.

Aecon Concessions brings a specialized, fine-tuned approach to project management, financing and development, both in Canada and internationally.

Aecon’s law department is fully aligned with the business segments to support the overall growth of the company.

Fact File

The team employs its common sense approach along with business acumen and strong legal skills to align and connect with operations.

Company: Aecon Email: aecon@aecon.com Web: www.aecon.com Address: Aecon East Headquarters 20 Carlson Court, Suite 800 Toronto, ON M9W 7K6 Phone: +1 (416) 293 7004 Toll free: +1 (877) 232 2677 Aecon West Headquarters 110 9th Avenue SW, Suite 300 Calgary, AB T2P 0T1 Phone: +1 (403) 695 3085

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2014 Legal Awards | 23

Tax Litigator of the Year - Mexico

Arias, Meurinne, Orendain y Rodríguez Arias, Meurinne, Orendain y Rodríguez provides original and effective solutions to the most complex litigation and consultation problems regarding tax law, anti-trust law, telecommunications law, international trade law, administrative law, human rights and constitutional law in Mexico.

Arias, Meurinne, Orendain y Rodríguez regularly provides services to several Fortune 500 and Expansion 500 companies, establishing long lasting institutional relationships, which provides to the firm in-depth knowledge of the businesses style of each client and allowing it to tailor solutions that suit their individual goals and needs while adhering to strict ethical business codes.

The firm is known for providing litigation solutions in cases others consider lost. Many cases that have been lost by other firms have been successfully litigated by Arias Meurinne, Orendain y Rodriguez. These cases have often been highlighted by the media.

Main Areas of Practice Tax Law The firm’s tax law practice represents clients in all aspects regarding Mexican tax law and international agreements related to taxation entered into by this country. The firm is involved in many complex litigation cases dealing with these matters. This representation includes all levels of litigation, before federal and local tribunals, including remedies before the Mexican Supreme Court of Justice. Being fully aware of how courts interpret the law, the firm is able to provide sound legal counsel on consultation and planning matters, including counselling before tax authorities during audits and the reimbursement procedures of excess payments made to government agencies.

Mexico City business district

Anti-trust Litigation The law firm’s anti-trust litigation team has been involved in some of the most media-followed cases in Mexico during the past three years, dealing with mergers that exceed billions dollars in value in the telecommunications industry. The success rate in these cases has been almost absolute.

Telecommunications Litigation The firm is involved in litigations dealing with all types of matters that surround the telecommunications industry, including cases that have dealt successfully with the renewal of radio-electric spectrum concessions, charges of duties applicable to this industry, fines and interconnection tariffs charged between telecommunication companies, among other issues.

International Trade The firm provides counsel and litigation on a wide array of matters dealing with international trade, such as importation duties, interpretation of free trade agreements entered into by Mexico and incentive programs such as maquiladoras, among other matters.

Administrative Litigation The firm’s practice in this subject matter, deals with a wide variety of issues, such as construction regulations, urban development programs, media content matters, airport law, among many others.

Fact File Arias, Meurinne, Orendain y Rodríguez Arias, Meurinne, Orendain y Rodríguez regularly provides services to several Fortune 500 and Expansion 500 companies, establishing long lasting institutional relationships, which provides to the firm in-depth knowledge of the businesses style of each client and allowing it to tailor solutions that suit their individual goals and needs while adhering to strict ethical business codes.

Company: Arias, Meurinne, Orendain y Rodríguez Name: Pedro Arias Email: pag@amyr.com.mx Web: www.amyr.com.mx Address: Prol. Paseo de la Reforma 1236 Piso 5, Desarrollo Santa Fe C.P. 05348, Del. Cuajimalpa, México, D.F. Phone: 55-5280-5240

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24 | 2014 Legal Awards

Best Matrimonial Law Firm - New York

Aronson Mayefsky & Sloan, LLP We are the largest firm in New York City that devotes its practice exclusively to matrimonial and family law.

Senior executives in New York’s financial services and real estate industries, leaders in the arts and media, distinguished professionals and members of many of America’s most prominent families routinely call on us to work with them in understanding and analyzing their family law concerns, and formulating reasonable and responsible resolutions.

Many family law practitioners claim to have “seen it all” when it comes to complex family issues, but we have a different view.

Even if an issue appears similar to one we’ve confronted before, we know that the right solution will be unique for each client.

Careful analysis, creative thinking, and a deep understanding of a particular family’s circumstances ground our advice as we guide each client to an individualized, workable solution.

We are skilled negotiators whose cases most often result in settlements, but we are also tough, able, and honest litigators who can try a case aggressively when settlement is unattainable. We speak for our clients in an informed, dignified, and thoroughly professional manner and we safeguard our clients’ identities and privacy.

Aronson Mayefsky & Sloan, LLP is a “go-to” firm for the corporate and trusts and estates lawyers at many prominent New York and international firms who want to ensure that their clients have the same first-quality representation on personal matters that they receive on their business matters.

Brooklyn Bridge at sunset

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Often hired by colleagues from other family law firms, we serve as arbitrators and mediators in cases they are having difficulty resolving. We are mindful of our obligation to do more for the profession than simply represent our clients well. We are active members and leaders of bar associations and professional organizations, among them the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the American College of Family Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the Family Law Section of the American Bar Association, the Family Law Section of the New York State Bar Association, and the Matrimonial Law Committee of the New York City Bar Association. We volunteer as lecturers and teachers at continuing education programs for judges, lawyers, appraisers and accountants. Beyond the law, we are board members and active participants in community-based organizations that address issues ranging from the environment to inner-city education to health.

Aronson Mayefsky & Sloan, LLP has earned the highest rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the authoritative resource for peer review of the competence and ethics of legal professionals. Our lawyers are routinely selected for listing in lay publications such as Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers.

Committed to excellence, professionalism, integrity, and good citizenship, our reputation for fulfilling that commitment has been earned over decades and is recognized by our clients, our peers, and the judiciary before whom we practice.

Fact File

We are the largest firm in New York City that devotes its practice exclusively to matrimonial and family law.

Company: Aronson Mayefsky & Sloan, LLP Name: Karen Robarge Email: robarge@amsllp.com Web: www.amsllp.com Address: 485 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10017 Phone: 212 521 3500 Fax: 212 838 5505

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Best Insurance Law Boutique - British Columbia

Bilkey Law Corp.

Over the past 30 years, Bilkey Law Corp, in Kamloops, British Columbia, has achieved remarkable prominence in serving the national and international insurance markets. David Bilkey Q.C. and Harmon C. Hayden, the leaders of the firm, tell us more.

Being recognised as Best Insurance Law Boutique - British Columbia by Legal Awards is, says David Bilkey Q.C., a great honour for Bilkey Law Corp. “Collectively, we have devoted our careers to true professionalism, integrity and client service. To be recognised internationally as the best in British Columbia is very gratifying,” he says. “Of particular importance to us, we are confident that our many clients throughout Canada, the UK, the US and abroad will be delighted with this noteworthy accomplishment, an achievement which they can share with us, and which we owe to them over decades of mutually beneficial relationships and many challenges in the exciting fields in which we practice.”

David Bilkey Q.C. and Harmon C. Hayden, the leaders of the firm, have practiced primarily in insurance litigation for over thirty years. “Our practices have been fortunate in serving a wonderful and sophisticated group of clients both nationally and internationally,” says Hayden. “We have engaged in the entire spectrum of insurance litigation and coverage work, including policy drafting and general risk management advice, primarily throughout western Canada, although we have moved towards work which is both national and international in scope and complexity. We have the privilege of having had tremendous opportunities to engage in some of the most complex trial and appellate work in Canada, some of which has taken us to the Supreme Court of Canada. More recently, we have both served the profession as professors of insurance law, Faculty of Law, Thompson Rivers University. In addition to serving the insurance industry, we also have the benefit of acting for and advising institutions and various governmental bodies, both provincially and federally. Our work has taken us to a number of jurisdictions and will continue to lead us to London, Switzerland, and the US.” It’s been an enormously successful year for the firm. In addition to its success in the Acquisition International Legal Awards as Best Insurance Law Boutique—British Columbia, both Bilkey and Hayden have been internationally recognised as being among the world’s best lawyers in insurance and reinsurance and civil litigation/product liability. The firm has also been invited by the Faculty of Law, Thompson Rivers University to continue teaching insurance law, and has been retained by a national insurer as coverage counsel on one of the largest class actions in Canada.

And, no less importantly, the firm has retained the loyalty of every client it has served over the years.

and efficiently on numerous fronts. It is very exciting to be retained on an ongoing basis by clients we have worked with for many years on some of the largest and most complex cases both in Canada and abroad.”

Fact File

The legal profession has been challenged globally in recent years. But Hayden says law firms should view this as an opportunity for excellence and development, rather than inevitable decline. “We should not be troubled by the necessity to work smarter, more efficiently, and explore new ways to deliver the services that business requires in 2014 and in the coming decades,” he says. “The legal profession should embrace change rather than fear change.” The biggest changes that Bilkey Law Corp. has witnessed in recent years is a greater need for its services, both nationally and internationally, particularly as younger lawyers face greater obstacles in obtaining irreplaceable trial and appellate skills, as well as the magnitude and monetary value of cases increasing significantly.

“The continuing challenge is to acquire a broad range of talent at all levels,” Hayden continues. “The profession has failed, in some areas, to provide the younger generation with the experience it requires in engaging in trial and appellate advocacy. Further, the ongoing challenge as well is to be able to provide business and government with the legal services they require at a price they can afford, while at the same time experiencing significant increases in all expenses from electronic data management, financial services, physical plant and infrastructure, and continuing increases in salary demands at all levels.”

As for the future, Bilkey Law is looking forward to both preserving its national client base and also expanding its business overseas, in England, Switzerland and the US. “We are considering branch offices in select locations or associating with outstanding law firms in those jurisdictions,” says Bilkey. “We are also focused on increasing our capacities by attracting and retaining the best and the brightest. We see every challenge as an opportunity.”

Inner Harbor, Victoria, British Columbia

“This award is a very nice complement to the international status we have achieved as among the world’s leading lawyers in insurance, reinsurance, and civil litigation/ product liability.”

Company: Bilkey Law Corp.

Name: David Bilkey Q.C. Email: djb.admin@bilkeylaw.ca Web: www.bilkeylaw.ca Address: 301 - 186 Victoria Street. Kamloops, BC V2C 5R3 Phone: +1 778 471 4350 Fax: +1 778 471 4351

Bilkey says that, for Bilkey Law Corp., there has never been a greater time in history to practice law, as the firm is now able to work internationally on some of the most interesting work for prestigious clients. “With electronic communications, it has become commonplace to be able to deal with multiple decision makers in various jurisdictions and to travel with an incredible amount of information on one’s laptop computer, moving quickly

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26 | 2014 Legal Awards

Employment Law Firm of the Year - Haiti

Cabinet Salès Cabinet Salès was founded in 1907 by Paul Salès, who was recognised for his expertise in patent law, and trademark law. Cabinet Salès is one of Haiti’s oldest and most respected law firms, and is often called upon to intercede in national and international cases. Its reputation is built on the exceptional quality of its work and its customised services, adapted to client needs. In January 2012, Cabinet Salès opened an office in Haiti’s second-largest business centre of Cap-Haitien.

A team approach, especially for issues of a multi-disciplinary nature, ensures that our clients receive the highest level of service while still enjoying extremely personalised assistance. Each client works with an individual lawyer while also benefitting from the collective expertise and resources of the firm. While each client’s affairs are managed on an individual basis, the high degree of exchange of information and cooperation between lawyers ensures that client work is the result of collective thinking.

The firm is engaged in the general practice of law and is well equipped to handle a wide variety of legal issues and services.

Our practice covers the full range of civil law issues, which we manage on behalf of a demanding, diverse clientele. The broad spectrum of expertise our lawyers offer reflects the ever-changing demands on a general law firm of our calibre. Our clients include international corporations and small, medium, and large local companies.

With an established reputation and the integrity and professionalism of its members, our firm’s goal is to deliver timely advice at a reasonable price. Cabinet Salès applies pragmatic, pioneering strategies and continuous attention to each case. We know that our success depends on working closely with our clients, and our lawyers communicate with clients on a regular basis to keep them informed on the progress of their cases and to ensure that their initial goals are met.

We are a recognised leader in the fields of intellectual property, labour law, and alternative dispute resolution methods. We are also highly regarded in the fields of foreign direct investment, corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, project financing, trade, property acquisitions, and estate administration.

Excellence is important to us and to our clients, many of whom are among the country’s major economic stakeholders. Their satisfaction has always been our primary objective. We constantly strive to understand their needs and think creatively in order to find solutions adapted to their needs.

Over the years, we have invested heavily in technology to improve the efficiency of our services. Our newsletter keeps clients informed of legal developments, in order to anticipate and avoid future problems and take advantage of new benefits. Our platform and support, strong structure, and cutting-edge technology allow us to manage the flow of large documents and complex transactions quickly and effectively.

Fact File

We are a recognised leader in the fields of intellectual property, labour law, and alternative dispute resolution methods. We are also highly regarded in the fields of foreign direct investment, corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, project financing, trade, property acquisitions, and estate administration.

Company: Cabinet Salès Name: Jean-Frédéric Salès Email: info@cabinetsales.com Web: www.cabinetsales.com Address: 62 Geffrard Street (corner of Chavannes Street), HT 6140, Pétion-Ville, Haiti Phone: (509) 2815-1500 Fax: (509) 2256-5107

www.acquisition-intl.com

2014 Legal Awards | 27

Best in Turnaround - Australia

Condon Associates Condon Associates offers its clients the benefit of more than 60 years cumulative experience in the Forensic, Insolvency and Turnaround fields of accounting (FIT). Our committed team of professionals is dedicated to the provision of quality advice and guidance.

At Condon Associates, we’re a committed group of professionals dedicated to the provision of quality advice and guidance in the fields of forensic accounting, insolvency and turnaround management (FIT).

Senior 1 and 2 at Condon Associates are currently studying for their professional qualifications having already attained the relevant university degree.

We have wealth of experience as Forensic Insolvency and Turnaround Practitioners and are involved in business rescue, insolvency, turnaround management, forensic accounting, special investigations and valuations.

To support the growing industry of FIT our Intermediate and Graduate Accountants have a range of professional and educational qualifications and are working within the industry to progress their levels of attainment.

We will focus on turning them around and chartering them on a safe course for their future, whether it’s by guiding them in the right direction, or forensically analysing their situation.

Specialties and services Fraud assessment and investigations We provide assistance on all issues of fraud control and prevention, including the preparation of briefs, which are the Firm’s forte. Our staff are experienced in dealing with criminal matters and in compiling the vast array of financial evidence that often accompanies a fraud investigation.

Condon Associates can also assist in determining whether or not the evidence provided is sufficient for a civil or criminal case.

When a constructive alternative cannot be found, rest assured that they will be supported through the difficult times and re-launched.

There are of course occasions in this profession where it is necessary to deal with difficult circumstances. You can therefore be confident that we will seek to get the situation under control as quickly as possible, ensuring that all assets are located, and protected for the benefit of those who rightly deserve them.

We look forward to assisting your clients in any of our key professional service areas.

To reinforce the services we offer our clients, the company has decided not to use our generic titles of Chartered Accountants or Certified Practicing Accountants.

The key to what we do is OUR understanding, care and commitment.

History Condon Associates offers its clients the benefit of more than 60 years cumulative experience in the Forensic, Insolvency and Turnaround fields of accounting (FIT). Our committed team of professionals is dedicated to the provision of quality advice and guidance.

Managing Principal Schon Condon established Condon Associates in 2006 with a view of spearheading the discipline of FIT, and formulating solutions for clients facing difficulties preventing their future commercial continuance and growth. Schon has been in the industry for over 30 years, with managerial experience at firms including Hungerford’s, Arthur Andersen, and Jones Condon.

Key People Condon Associates is privileged to have a stratum of professionals ready to undertake our client’s requirements.

Economic loss quantification and valuations Condon Associates can provide professional and legally admissible estimates of economic loss for personal injury matters, business interruption claims and opportunity cost issues.

Family law matters The Family Court has broad jurisdiction to make orders with respect to property disputes and the payment of maintenance in matrimonial disputes, it also extends to the making of orders against third parties.

Fact File

The key to what we do is OUR understanding, care and commitment.

Company: Condon Associates Name: Natalie Torrescasana Email: natalie.Torrescasana@ condon.com.au Web: www.condon.com.au Address: Level 6, 87 Marsden Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 Phone: 1300 939 129 Fax: (02) 9891 1833

We provide assistance in identifying and valuing property, as well as untangling the sometimes complex arrangements that may accompany a family’s financial affairs. The Firm can also assist in the preparation of projected income and maintenance requirements between the parties.

At Condon Associates we approach family law matters with professional independence and objectivity.

Probate We offer expertise in providing specific financial advice in relation to the management and distribution of deceased estates, and claims made by applicants under the Family Provision Act 1982 (NSW).

Whether there are valuation issues in dispute, or your clients need assistance in retracing the financial history of the deceased estate, Condon Associates is in a position to produce this information in a manner that is both easy to understand and persuasive.

Our fully qualified and registered Senior Associates and Associates, are members of their respective professional bodies and are available to act as expert witnesses if required. They are also available to take appointments in conjunction with Managing Principal Schon Condon.

Commercial disputes and minority shareholder actions The Australian Corporations Act provides relief to minority shareholders and imposes various statutory duties upon directors of companies. The court may make orders for the purchase of shares, or order that a company be wound up. Condon Associates can provide assistance in these matters relating to valuations, as well as reviewing and presenting evidence to support a litigant’s case.

Senior Managers and Managers of Condon Associates are fully qualified, members of professional associations and are responsible for staff supervision. They are the senior contacts and supervisors of all matters.

The method of presentation will comply with the requirements of applicable rules of evidence in the jurisdiction in which the dispute is expected to be litigated.

Supervisors in the firm are once again fully qualified, members of professional bodies and have carriage of minor matters. Our Supervisors are ‘Manager’s in-training’ and carry the responsibility of supervising staff in a part time capacity.

We’re also ideally placed to provide assistance in disputes involving partnerships or any other form of complex dispute.

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28 | 2014 Legal Awards

Best German Insurance Broker

Dr. Ihlas GmbH Dr. Ihlas GmbH supports the in-house brokers, risk managers and insurance departments of the top companies and financial institutions – a challenging and very innovative area. Dr Horst Ihlas, Managing Director and Partner, tells us more.

Dr. Ihlas GmbH is a Cologne, Germany-based insurance broker specialized in financial lines. The firm’s clients belong to the top companies and financial institutions. “We support their in-house brokers, risk managers and insurance departments,” says Dr Horst Ihlas, Managing Director and Partner. “Our unique selling point is 25 years of experience with the financial lines of publicly-traded large global companies. As a niche player we have specialized in the insurance lines of Directors & Officers (D&O), Employment Practices (EPL), Pension Trust (PTL, Fiduciary), Criminal Legal Defence Cost Coverage (StrafRS), Commercial Crime (VSV), Cyber, Representations & Warranties (W&I, R&W), Initial and Secondary Public Offering (IPO, SPO) and Package Policies. Most of these lines are very young. The markets for these niche products all started slowly within the last three decades. We focus on all financial lines. The pick and choose strategy of insuring named perils but not insuring all types of financial losses requires a combination of several policies. Financial losses nearly always trigger many policies. Good advice is to avoid gaps as well as overlaps.

“We are not the kind of vendors promising a lot without taking a look at the risk and the possibilities of insurability first,” Horst continues. “Our assignment can be flexibly negotiated. We set high value on service, the generation of realistic expectations and complete customer satisfaction. Our strength is research and development, sharing through publications and speeches.

Sometimes this looks more like a law firm or a consultant and not like an insurance broker. But mere procurement and placement of policies is too simple and of little added value to most of our clients. W&I is linked to the US/UK-legal system and that requires adjustments to local law. Finally financial lines belong together and are interrelated in many ways. This is a lesson Panorama of Cologne, Germany

learnt when the claims come in. The structure of financial lines in the German insurance market is still fragmented. We managed to unite all financial lines in one company.”

The firm’s name is linked to a passion for research, Horst says.

“We share and publish regularly. That is unusual in a broker market. Brokers are mystery-mongers selling ‘top secret best terms and conditions’. We know the secrets and have no sales but service targets.

“We try to find the right clients and people and then we let it go with know-how and passion. Research and development combined with long lasting answers that could take time are our approach. Old basic values guide us rather than short-term management slogans or mere number crunching. We practice handsoff management, open communication, fun at work, appreciation for clients and their needs and trust.”

Asked about the state of the legal profession in 2014, Horst says, “The softening market continues, the capacity is cheap and the growing financial lines business doesn´t get easier. Very time consuming are, for example, international insurance programs, D&O personal insurances and the Cyber marketing.”

The current upswing in M&A raises the interest for Warranty and Indemnity Insurance (W&I), says Horst. “But a lot of patience is needed. W&I for example has been known for more than 20 years but it takes a long time to change buying patterns and to create understanding for such lines of insurance. Usually it is not the need for protection alone that creates the demand. You make money from saving and not from spending. Clients rarely want to be seen as the very first buyer. If leading German insurers will allocate sufficient resources to these new lines the markets will show growth. Currently there is no local expert for M&A related tax liability underwriting. We are convinced, that there is a lot of room left for growth in the local M&A insurance market.

“The German market did not purchase D&O before 1996. But I started earlier in 1990 as a D&O-trainee working for a world market leader. Another factor is more than two decades of research and development in that field. Insurance is more than copy and paste.”

On the firm’s success in the Legal Awards, Horst says, “It is great to be recognised as the winner by the AI Legal Awards 2014 in the category Insurance Broker of the Year - Germany. Many thanks for your votes! Every award is a result based on the past.

But we accept and understand this for us as forward looking to encourage our team for a growing commitment. We are very proud to have been honoured by this recognition and thankful for it. Real appreciation is rare and the best reason to celebrate!”

www.acquisition-intl.com

Fact File

“It is great to be recognised as the winner by the AI Legal Awards 2014 in the category Insurance Broker of the Year - Germany.

Many thanks for your votes!”

Company: Dr. Ihlas GmbH Address: Burgmauer 68, 50667 Cologne, Germany Phone: +49 (0)221 99 383 10 Web: www.dr-ihlas.com

2014 Legal Awards | 29

Best for International Arbitration - Russia

Egorov Puginski Afanasiev & Partners Egorov Puginsky Afanasiev & Partners is the leading law firm in the CIS with offices in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and associated offices in the UK and the USA.

Founded in 1993, the firm provides the full range of legal services to domestic and foreign businesses, governmental authorities, international organisations and financial institutions across the CIS. Egorov Puginsky Afanasiev & Partners advises its clients in many areas of law, including commercial dispute resolution in Russia and abroad, corporate law, M&A, project finance and PPP, antitrust practice, restructurings and insolvencies. The firm also offers its clients advice on energy and natural resources, government property management and privatisation, environment, technical regulation and industrial safety, banking and finance, intellectual property, sports law, criminal law, real estate and construction, taxation, family and labour disputes, marine and transport law, and international trade and customs.

In its work the firm combines its expertise in emerging markets with the highest professional standards, offering its clients a comprehensive approach with a blend of legal advice, representation of clients before governmental authorities, interaction with mass media and general public and other services.

The firm’s lawyers are highly qualified legal experts with background spanning both government work and academia. Most of the firm’s lawyers have had internships in the United States or the UK and some are members of national bar associations, the International Bar Association and the American Bar Association.

In all jurisdictions of its presence, the firm’s experts are actively involved in business and legal communities and are regularly engaged as consultants on various aspects of law by executive, legislature, and judiciary authorities, as well as Russian and foreign NGOs. The firm’s lawyers can provide services in Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese languages.

Egorov Puginsky Afanasiev & Partners’ strategy is defined by three key principles: • Combining the high academic qualifications of distinguished professors and alumni of the Law Departments of the Moscow State University and St. Petersburg State University, both leading Russian universities, with the international experience and legal training of EPA&P attorneys in the United States to ensure the highest degree of professionalism according to both Russian and western standards;

• Adhering to internationally acknowledged moral and ethical values to provide clients with reliable, first-class service.

Fact File

The firm’s policy of maintaining constant communication with its clients provides EPA&P with an in-depth understanding of its clients’ business. The firm works to promptly determine and solve clients’ legal issues, providing practical solutions by clearly defining objectives and consistently working to achieve them.

Egorov Puginsky Afanasiev & Partners uses all resources of its firm, its experts and partners to serve its clients. The firm works as a team, empowering each player to live up to his or her potential in reaching a common goal.

Ilya Nikiforov is one of the founding members of the firm. He has invaluable expertise in international arbitration and litigation, construction, intellectual property law and development projects.

A visible figure in the Russian arbitration world, Nikiforov is considered a first tier dispute resolution specialist. He was appointed an officer of the Arbitration Committee of International Bar Association and of Eurasia committee of American Bar Association, Vice-Chair of ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR. Ilya Nikiforov is well-known in the international arbitration community as a seasoned practitioner. Listed as an arbitrator by the ICDR, WIPO, other arbitration centers and national institutions throughout Russia & Eastern Europe. He appeared as a counsel at higher domestic courts at all levels, the International Commercial Arbitration Court in Moscow and international arbitration tribunals. The first and only arbitrator from the Russian Federation ever to be elected to the Singapore International Arbitration Centre. He is often engaged to serve as a Russian law counsel/ expert in connection with commercial litigation and international arbitration proceedings worldwide.

Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Savior

Egorov Puginsky Afanasiev & Partners uses all resources of its firm, its experts and partners to serve its clients. The firm works as a team, empowering each player to live up to his or her potential in reaching a common goal.

Company: Egorov Puginsky Afanasiev & Partners Name: Ilya Nikiforov Email: ilya.nikiforov@epam.ru Web: www.epam.ru Address: 40/5 Bol. Ordynka St., Moscow, 119017, Russia Phone: +7 (495) 935 8010

• Merging senior partners’ professional experience and practical abilities with the vigour and knowledge of younger attorneys to provide superior professional talent within a flexible structure;

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30 | 2014 Legal Awards

Tax Practitioner of the Year - South Africa

Frost Attorneys Frost Attorneys specialise in all matters relating to tax in South Africa as well as attending to your commercial needs as a client in an ever increasing world of compliance.

Frost Attorneys’ focus is on its clients who it treats in a holistic manner rather than in a piecemeal fashion when it comes to all matters relating to tax. In dealing with a client’s estate, income returns, property investments, tax planning and ancillary matters – all personal issues – the firm ensures that it adopts a personal touch at all times, raising all dealings with its customers above the level of a mere mandated business transaction.

www.acquisition-intl.com

The firm’s offices specialise in: • Income Tax Matters (Planning and Filing) • Wills and Estates (Planning, drafting and administrating) • Contracts (Commercial and Employment) • Property (Conveyancing)

With you 100%

Fact File

Company: Frost Attorneys Name: Noel Frost Email: noel@frostattorneys.co.za Web: www.frostattorneys.co.za Address: Office 110, The Arcade Offices, 114 Main Road, Fish Hoek, 7975.

Phone: +27 021 782 4928 +27 021 782 7315 (Mob)

2014 Legal Awards | 31

Construction Law Firm of the Year - Nigeria

G & O Bello & Co G.O. Bello and Company, in Lagos, is a general practice law firm focused on Nigeria’s vibrant real estate market. G. O. Bello, the firm’s founder, tells us more.

Overview G.O. Bello and Company is a law firm started since August 14, 2001. It started as a solo practice but over the years, it has witnessed the coming and going of young lawyers who cut their practicing teeth at the firm.

The firm started out as a general practice law firm. However, as the firm grew both in years of practice and client base, an appreciable number of the instructions we received client base, and clients’ satisfaction gravitated our core practice to real estate. Flowing from our real estate practice is our involvement in construction contract perusal and attendant advice.

Till date, we have acted only for contracting parties. While involved in the real-estate practice in Lagos Nigeria, we have been privileged to interface and act for businesses, individuals and land owning families. Our core business clients are a conglomerate which is gradually creating its pathway in many sectors of the Nigerian economy. Another one, which is partly into Real Estate business and through their instructions we have interfaced with Agip Oil and Conoco Philips. Being solicitors to one of our clients gave us the privilege to interact with construction companies such as ITB and ELANLAM. Type of Work As stated earlier, the core business of G.O. Bello and Company is real estate. We help clients to buy properties whether developed or undeveloped.

We prepare the documentations and sometimes we obtain regulatory approval to clients’ transactions. We market undeveloped land for land owning families and some individuals.

The real estate sector in Lagos, Nigeria is vibrant, in that there is always request for properties and those listed are sold within a reasonable time.

The industry in Lagos, Nigeria rewards hard working and honest practitioners both in the long and short run. The real estate business environment is definitely positive but there are grey areas that have diminished trust in the industry.

Like every other facet of Nigeria as a nation, the institutions put in place to engender seamless buying and selling of properties have failed due to corruption. We have had instances where a seller sells the same property to two or more buyers using the original title documents and cloned ones.

The greater danger to the industry is the insincerity of some land owning families who often deliberately sell a particular landed property to multiple buyers. The Nigeria Police is unwilling to enforce laws for the time being in force due to gratification which has compounded the tragic situation.

I am particularly bothered because of the involvement of senior police officers in this mayhem. The preceding narratives have made our business environment fraught with challenges and investors must seek the services of grounded practitioners to navigate safely, the Lagos, Nigeria Real Estate Market.

Legal Profession The legal profession in Nigeria in 2014 has witnessed a robust development. In my view, all aspects of the profession have experienced a trajectory progression. The future is even brighter if colleagues can diminish the propensity to give self-serving advice to clients. There is need now, more than ever before for colleagues to assume the role of catalysts for positive changes in the legal profession, politics, business and ultimately the community.

M&A The merger and acquisition practitioners in Nigeria are in a very active environment. Nigeria as an emerging market is now and then, pulping up opportunities for merger and acquisition. Few years back, the most active sectors in this regard were the telecommunication sector and the banking sector. In the telecommunication sector, the national carriers were unbundled and sold by the government to the sector leaders. In fact, a particular telecommunication provider has changed ownership two or three times. In the banking sector as well, several mergers have taken place in line with the contemporary financial regulations imposed by the Central Bank of Nigeria on all banks in the country in recent years. Pursuant to this policy,

AMCON announced the acquisition of Mainstreet Bank by Skye Bank and Enterprise Bank by Heritage Bank.

Differentiation What stands G.O. Bello & Co out over the years has been trust. Our clients, in our view, and from their body language have demonstrated absolute trust in our cognate competence in our core practice area of real estate.

We have also reciprocated their trust by applying professional diligence in our service delivery. No client is ever taken for granted.

Fact File G.O. Bello

Challenges and Opportunities Real estate market in Lagos Nigeria where we work is the foremost market, because it has mixture of vibrant high end and low end markets. The market is active always and rewards players with steady sellers and buyers.

Yes there are challenges such as fraud, corruption and impunity due to the weaknesses of the regulatory institutions. To survive in the Lagos Nigeria real estate market, a practitioner must abhor greed. He must be decisive to the extent of advising a client to decline a transaction notwithstanding the loss of revenue to his or her chambers. On the other hand, there are opportunities daily because ours is an emerging economy.

The influx of new investors looking for opportunities is greater than those heading for the exit door. Between July and August, 2014, we were privileged to help a telecom company to purchase a large expanse of land for factory construction.

The strongest parts of our business have been our ability to conduct transactions free of rancor during and after close. We take painstaking efforts to conduct our due diligence well. As a result, our transactions hardly lead to litigation. The resultant boost to clients’ confidence has compelled some of them to give referrals and that has been indeed rewarding to the firm.

Since inception in 2001 and till now, our business philosophy has been and will continue to be to invest considerable amount of our earnings in real estate. Though we have some paper investments done with residuary funds, our major investments are in real estate because we want our clients to see that our money is where our mouth is.

Like in every other profession, the rewarding aspect of the legal profession is the satisfaction clients derive from our services. The financial reward, as important as it is, comes second in our appraiser of our value to the client.

Transparency is at the core of our interface with the client and on behalf of the client. We ensure clients are updated with every detail of their instructions in order to make reaching decision on any issue seamless.

Sometimes in July, we got the brief to buy large expense of land for a smart phone manufacturing company which wants to start production in Nigeria. We are glad to be part of the team working on this project.

Honestly, the award is huge to us, we see it as an inestimable gift and we know it would give us the needed motivation to push to greater heights. It absolutely has a wider implication and we are planning to leverage on it.

Company: G.O. Bello Email: gobello22005@yahoo.co.uk Phone: +234 14627454

The tactics and strategies industry leaders must adopt going forward, must start and end with trust. In my view, transparent integrity in the way and manner we handle clients’ affairs would endear us and the services we render to clients. High-end clients are expectedly very busy individuals and would require their legal team to deliver on instructions with minimal personal involvement. So every law firm desirous of great success must measure up.

As regard the coming months and years, our approach would be consistent and aimed toward retaining our market share and more. We would avoid over ambition but we would strive for more.

We would appraise our failures with a view to identifying our pitfalls thereafter resolve to better them.

On behalf of G.O. Bello & Co, I thank everyone who participated in the selection process.

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32 | 2014 Legal Awards

Full Service Law Firm of the Year - Italy

Giambrone Law Giambrone Law prides itself on a combination of a classic approach to client services with a modern attitude to business and technology.

With offices in Spain, Germany, Italy, the UK, the US and Africa, the firm is able to offer its clients the comfort and ease of speaking to a lawyer in their own language, be it Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish or Urdu.

The firm is dedicated to the delivery of quality client services. Its lawyers are carefully selected for their professionalism, approachability, pragmatism and creativity across the company’s main areas of legal expertise and experience, which include but are not restricted to: • Banking and finance • Criminal, corporate and commercial • Family and matrimonial • Litigation and alternative dispute resolution • Private wealth management and probate • Real estate and tax The firm also provides services relating to international trade and customs, debt collection and legal translations.

From its network of offices, Giambrone Law seamlessly services an international client base of individuals, family businesses, SMEs, financial institutions, commercial, corporate and government entities. Cases tackled can range from the simplest to the most complex and no matter is considered too small. By way of illustration, a few examples of the various types of work Giambrone routinely assists with are: • Individuals residing outside Italy wishing to make an Italian Will or purchase a property in Italy • Family of heirs to Italian estates requiring assistance with probate or intervention (mediation) to resolve a dispute • Foreign companies wishing to establish a presence in Italy or the UK • Multi-million dollar cross-border debt collections • Performing due diligence on Italian companies targeted for acquisition by a foreign investor • Providing corporate secretarial services in Italy • Personal injuries suffered in Italy by visitors, including ski and road traffic accidents • Restructuring and insolvency of companies

Fact File

Giambrone Law prides itself on a combination of a classic approach to client services with a modern attitude to business and technology.

Company: Giambrone Law Name: Shama Tipi Email: london@giambronelaw.com Web: www.giambronelaw.com Address: Giambrone Consulting Ltd, Juxon House, 100 St. Paul’s Churchyard, London, EC4M 8BU Phone: +44 (0)207 183 9482

www.acquisition-intl.com

2014 Legal Awards | 33

Best for M&A - Italy

Gianni Origoni Grippo Cappelli & Partners Gianni, Origoni, Grippo, Cappelli & Partners was founded in 1988 with the goal of developing a truly international business practice. To this end we opened 3 offices: in Rome, Milan and New York. Since 1988, we have come a long way, working alongside Italian and foreign companies in their international operations and investments, as well as in their routine activity. Since 1988, we are a benchmark in the legal market.

In 1988, when our firm was established, the founding partners had a mission: to create a firm with international capabilities.

The idea was to import in Italy the Anglo-Saxon model of law firms. At that time, the Italian legal elite was conservative, consisting of few relatively small firms. Three offices were opened - Rome, Milan and New York. The two Italian offices were meant to work closely with the Italian clients, while the American one was created to effectively manage clients with international reach and activities.

The founders instilled an ethic of quality, hard work and commitment. The firm quickly became the trusted advisor to a number of major domestic and international clients.

Soon other offices were opened in leading financial centres in Europe: in London, the crossroad of all banking and financial operations, and in Brussels, a must for all EU-related issues of cross-border transactions. The proximity to the Italian clientele was enhanced through a number of offices which were opened in Italy.

View of Rome from Castel Sant’Angelo

Through the years, the firm created strong links with major international practices all over the world. In 2007, a “Chindia Desk” was established to provide clients, operating in China and India, a tailor-made legal, tax and business assistance.

Fact File

A new step in the firm’s internationalization process was taken in 2010 with the launch of a new office in Abu Dhabi. Gianni, Origoni, Grippo, Cappelli & Partners is the first Italian law firm in the United Arab Emirates.

Today Gianni, Origoni, Grippo, Cappelli & Partners can count on more than 360 lawyers serving our clients around the world through our offices in Rome, Milan, Bologna, Padua, Turin, Abu Dhabi, Brussels, Hong Kong, London, and New York.

Clients Gianni, Origoni, Grippo, Cappelli & Partners’ clients are nearly evenly divided between domestic and foreign entities.

They include industrial and commercial companies, financial institutions, private funds and governments. Our client base is exceptionally diverse, a result of our capacity to tailor work to specific client needs.

Practice Areas Although we began with a focus on M&A and corporate law, our firm has grown into a full-service law practice. Today our departments are each recognized as leaders in the legal profession.

Our clients can benefit from an integrated practice, that ensures a coordinated and cost-effective management of all aspects of their transactions. Our practice areas include: • Administrative Law and Tenders • Antitrust and Regulatory • Banking & Finance • China Desk • Corporate. Mergers & Acquisitions • Data Protection • Energy and Infrastructure • Environmental Law • Financial Markets • India Desk • Insolvency and Reorganisations • Insurance • Intellectual Property, IT and Media • Korea Desk • Labour Law • Litigation and Arbitration • Real Estate • Taxation • Wealth and Trust • White Collar Crime

Today Gianni, Origoni, Grippo, Cappelli & Partners can count on more than 360 lawyers serving our clients around the world through our offices in Rome, Milan, Bologna, Padua, Turin, Abu Dhabi, Brussels, Hong Kong, London, and New York.

Company: Gianni Origoni Grippo Cappelli & Partners Name: Raimondo Premonte Email: rome@gop.it Web: www.gop.it Address: Via delle Quattro Fontane, 20 00184, Rome Phone: +39 06 478751 Fax: +39 06 4871101

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34 | 2014 Legal Awards

Best Florida Lawyer - Divorce & Matrimonial Issues

The Glicken Law Firm The Glicken Law Firm has been serving the Orlando, Florida, area since 1986, advising clients on family law and criminal defense matters.

Attorney David Scott Glicken is regarded as a knowledgeable, compassionate attorney and an accomplished mediator who can offer the experienced, aggressive advocacy clients need when their families’ lives are in turmoil, or they have been accused of a crime.

About David Glicken David Scott Glicken is a Florida native, and has been a resident of Orlando since 1970. Mr. Glicken got his start in the legal profession in the area of criminal defense in December 1981 when he worked with the Office of the State Attorney, in the Criminal Intake Division.

In 1982, Mr. Glicken appeared for the first time before the Florida Supreme Court and successfully argued a case appealed directly from the Circuit Court. Mr. Glicken became the second assistant state attorney (and youngest) to be named as legal advisor to the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation (MBI), a multi-law enforcement agency, soon after starting at the State Attorney’s Office.

In 1984, he struck out on his own in private practice, founding The Glicken Law Firm in 1986. Over the years, Mr. Glicken has represented clients in state and federal courts, including juvenile matters, civil litigation, personal injury, felonies, misdemeanors and family law matters. Mr. Glicken has been lead attorney in multiple first degree death penalty murder cases and has obtained civil jury verdicts in excess of $1,000,000.

Today, The Glicken Firm, is primarily focused on handling cases concerning family law, including divorce, child custody and visitation disputes, child support, premarital agreements, paternity, adoption, domestic violence, modifications and other complex family law matters. Mr. Glicken obtained custody rights for fathers in 1988, which was not a common practice at the time and has also appeared before the Florida Supreme Court several times, as well as the District Court of Appeals throughout Florida. Mr. Glicken has been previously certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a mediator in county civil, circuit civil, and family law matters.

In addition to handling family law cases, Mr. Glicken maintains a criminal defense practice where he puts his three decades of experience, his comprehensive knowledge of the criminal justice Orlando’s Lake Eola

system and Florida and federal law to use in defending the rights of his clients.

Fact File

Mr. Glicken currently serves on the board of directors for the Florida State University Torchbearer’s Board and has served on the board of directors for the Central Florida Catholic Youth League for six years. Mr. Glicken is currently serving his second consecutive term as president of the Central Florida Catholic Youth League, an organization serving the needs of more than 1,000 student athletes each year. Believing in the philosophy of giving back to the community, Mr. Glicken volunteers more than 1,200 hours each year to non-profit organizations. Mr. Glicken lives in College Park with his wife, Lisa Vicars-Glicken, and their two wonderful daughters, Delaney and Devon, who attend St. James Cathedral School.

Practice areas • Alimony/spousal support • Child custody • Child support • Divorce • Divorce & business • Domestic violence • Enforcement & contempt • Equitable distribution • Fathers’ rights • Grandparents’ rights • Mothers’ rights • Juvenile delinquency • Out-of-state parents’ rights • Parental kidnapping • Paternity • Separation agreements • Shared parenting plans • Assault and battery • Credit card fraud • Domestic violence • Drug possession and/or drug sale • Driving with a suspended license • DWI/DUI charges (drunk driving) • Domestic violence • Expungement • Federal crimes • Forged checks • Identity theft • Juvenile offenses • Manslaughter • Murder • Possession of marijuana • Sealing of records • Shoplifting • Solicitation of prostitution • Traffic violations • Underage drinking • Violation of parole/probation • Violent crimes

Today, The Glicken Firm, is primarily focused on handling cases concerning family law, including divorce, child custody and visitation disputes, child support, premarital agreements, paternity, adoption, domestic violence, modifications and other complex family law matters.

Company: The Glicken Law Firm Name: David Glicken Email: davidglicken@ glickenlawfirm.com Web: www.glickenlawfirm.com Address: 840 Highland Ave, Orlando, Florida 32803 Phone: (407) 982 5015 Fax: (407) 423 1358

www.acquisition-intl.com

2014 Legal Awards | 35

Best Independent Litigator - New York

The Griffith Firm Despite its compact size, the Griffith Firm regularly represents clients in complex litigation against adversaries that are typically large national or international law firms. Edward Griffith, the firm’s founder, tells us how.

My practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, often in multiple jurisdictions and involving parties from countries other than the United States. Most of my clients are small and medium enterprises with international operations that are either hauled into US court as defendants or have claims they want to assert against US or non-US parties in the United States.

The subject matter of the litigation is diverse, encompassing contractual disputes and related business torts such as fraud or intentional interference with contractual relations, securities and commodities litigation, claims arising from the sale of a business, shareholder claims, intellectual property disputes, claims to disregard the corporate form (i.e., alter ego claims or claims to pierce the corporate veil), unfair competition claims, insurance coverage claims, claims to recover stolen art, and antitrust claims.

The resurgence in the economy has been uneven and litigation costs can easily outweigh the benefits of that resurgence from the perspective of a defendant. Similarly, the loss of a substantial portion due to fraud or other illegal conduct can easily outweigh gains from improvements in the general economy.

Small but Effective Although my firm is very small (just me and one junior lawyer), we represent clients in complex litigation against adversaries that are typically large national or international law firms. We do this successfully because the firm is selective as to which cases it accepts, I am involved with every aspect of every case, and we use state-of-the-art technology. As a result, we provide clients with complete information about their matters at any time and we coordinate with them to make sure that we are pursuing the most effective cost-effective strategy. Because larger firms prioritise the work of their institutional clients, smaller clients sometimes get ignored even if they are willing to pay large firms fees. We offer our clients the same kind of service that large firms provide their institutional clients at a cost our clients can afford.

The strongest parts of my business are assessing my client’s legal position objectively, communicating that assessment clearly to the client, and devising a creative and cost-effective strategy to advance the client’s goals.

In terms of transparency, for a small firm such as mine, the challenge is to provide honest advice to the client and to represent the client’s legal position accurately and in good faith to adversaries and the forum in which a dispute is pending. This sounds straightforward, but it often requires discipline to resist telling a persistent client what he or she wants to hear and to challenge judges in a respectful and effective manner on rulings that are mistaken or unfair.

From New York to the World Although my firm is based in New York City, we litigate in courts throughout the United States and we advise our clients in litigation involving multiple international forums. Over the past several years, we’ve litigated cases in California, Florida, Nevada, Texas, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and other US jurisdictions. Each US jurisdiction presents different considerations as to how claims or defences should be presented and the degree to which non-US parties may face bias from local judges or juries.

Many of our non-US clients have an idealized view of the US judicial system, assuming that courts are impartial and the rule of law is generally upheld. Unfortunately, the reality is more complex and an effective litigation strategy must be based on that reality.

We have strong working relationships with law firms of all sizes in most major US jurisdictions. When a case requires additional staffing, we partner with an appropriate firm and assemble a dedicated team. US lawyers may appear in most US jurisdictions by retaining local counsel. Because most of our matters are located outside of our home jurisdiction of New York, we select local counsel based on the nature and requirements of the case.

It is also worth noting that very few cases require staffing with more than two or three lawyers if those lawyers are not spread too thin on other matters. The approach of pulling in lawyers not familiar with a case to work on ad hoc projects is not efficient and is usually designed to serve the scheduling needs of the firm rather than promote the client’s interest.

Because many of the firm’s matters involve questions of nonU.S. law and related actions in non-U.S. jurisdictions, the firm has close ties with law firms in Europe, Eastern Europe, South America, and Asia.

Looking Ahead My firm could not operate without the technological developments of the last 25 years. When I started practicing law in the mid-1980s, it was impossible for a small firm to provide cost effective legal services at the same level as large law firms. Large law libraries and an extensive legal support staff were essential to provide first-rate legal services and to compete effectively in high-stakes litigation. Technology has allowed small firms such as mine to provide the same quality of legal services without the high overhead, and consequent higher hourly rates, of larger firms. The emergence of new technologies will continue to level the playing field between firms such as mine and the large national and international law firms.

Fact File Company: The Griffith Firm Name: Edward Griffith Email: eg@thegriffithfirm.com Web: www.thegriffithfirm.com Phone: +1 2123633780

We offer our clients the same kind of service that large firms provide their institu-tional clients at a cost our clients can afford.

• Successfully defended Asian conglomerate against $100 million fraud claim arising from reverse merger transaction and obtained 100% recovery of attorneys’ fees.

• Successfully defended 22 South American investors against claim by bank for $55 million commodities trading loss, negotiating walk-away settlement.

• As class counsel for 450 defrauded international investors, negotiated $6 million settlement resulting in net recovery of 80% of the loss.

• Obtained multi-million dollar recovery on 20-year-old Argentine note in action brought in California federal court against U.S. bank, overcoming statute of limitations and other defenses under applicable Argentine law.

• Successfully defended South American state-owned airline in $40 million contract claim brought by non-U.S. airline manufacturer in California federal court.

• Currently defending European biotechnology group in shareholder and fraud actions in multiple U.S. jurisdictions.

www.acquisition-intl.com

36 | 2014 Legal Awards

Project Finance Law Firm of the Year - Turkey

Group Law Firm Group Law Firm renders a full range of legal services in Turkish, English, German and French languages, and cooperates with a wide range of international network of well-known law firms.

The company focuses only on “solution” and “result” with a strong and scholarly academic background reconciled with practice. The firm specializes in corporate and commercial law with a strong emphasis on project finance, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, intellectual property, banking and finance, joint ventures, energy and telecommunications, and competition sectors.

Besides our industrial discipline and organized and intense follow-up work, we are reputed for our commercial approach to transactions and for understanding our clients’ commercial goal. We focus on bringing value-added legal services, aimed to bring progress to our clients’ business.

Practice Areas Project Finance and PPP One of the leading departments of Group Law Firm comprises our Project Finance team. Our lawyers understand the key players in project finance and their concepts of risk and reward, which enables us to devise highly practical approaches to achieving clients’ objectives.

Commercial Contracts Group Law Firm executes preparing commercial contracts as a “protective advisory” area on resolving the disputes. Our lawyers have a great deal of experience in drawing up commercial contracts in both domestic and international commerce and reflecting their deep legal knowledge to the contracts while determining and solving the exact points of problems.

gotiations with business partners and before Turkish and international institutions.

Litigation is a substantial practice of our firm.

Banking & Finance – Capital Markets Banking and finance is one of the main areas of our practice. Our firm is highly experienced in serving banks and financial institutions and their clients in all types of financial transactions.

Our lawyers provide expertise on the planned structuring of financial transactions and draw up documentation aimed at facilitating settlements and cash flows within capital groups. We prepare financial documentation for our clients, particularly loan agreements and contracts aimed at securing loans extended.

Labour Law The team dealing with labour law issues advises clients on matters relating to labour law and employee-employer relations, collective bargaining agreements and building up relations between employer and trade unions.

Corporate Law Our commercial work is broadly based and varied, reflecting the legal issues in an emerging economy. We have advised many international entities in negotiating complex structural transactions spanning every form of business.

Insurance/Reinsurance Members of insurance department of Group Law Firm has taken place in the most reputed and scholarly lawyers of Turkey in this field. We represent both foreign and domestic insurance and reinsurance companies on a broad spectrum of issues.

Mergers & Acquisitions Our mergers and acquisitions team is one of the best teams on the Turkish market.

The Law Firm advises and represents clients in transactions involving share transfers, sale of enterprises and company mergers, divisions and take-overs; we also assist with drawing up and negotiating agreements.

Taxation Our lawyers have substantial experience in taxation, providing advice on the structuring of a wide range of corporate and financial transactions in order to achieve maximum tax benefits, efficiency, and optimization in all types of transactions.

Privatization Privatization is regarded as one of the most important legal issue of Turkey. Our lawyers, as a special type of M&A, handle privatization projects by reflecting our profound and intense academic background and our experiences on the M&A projects delicately.

Competition & Anti-Trust Law Our firm has provided consultancy services regarding Turkish and European regulations in connection with the concentrations, dominant positions, discrimination and other restrictive trade practices to some of the world’s largest multinational companies in a number of major industries.

Intellectual Property Our Intellectual Property practice has a substantial corporate portfolio for our international and domestic clients. Trademarks, patents and innovations are key elements of an enterprise’s assets. The firm has a team that specializes in this area and advises clients on the protection of intellectual and industrial property rights.

Unfair Competition Protection against unfair competition is a key element of a firm’s security. The many years’ experience that our lawyers have enable them to ensure clients receive services of the highest quality in respect of provisions regulating the protection of competition and consumer rights in the fight against unfair competition.

Litigation & Arbitration Group Law Firm represents its clients in litigation cases, acts on their behalf in ne-

www.acquisition-intl.com

Fact File

Real Estate The Law Firm’s real estate team advises firms on the trade, administration and management of real estate. The team helps to draw up analyses of the legal status of real estate (also covering the risk of claims being brought by third parties, etc.), devises real estate transaction concepts, represents clients in negotiations and draws up agreements and documents required for transaction performance.

European Union Law Thanks to our network of contacts with law firms throughout Europe, we are able to provide our clients with solutions on all EU markets and countries. The lawyers in our EC law team analyze Turkish law provisions for compliance with acquis communautaire within the scope indicated by the client.

Transport Group Law Firm is preeminent in maritime and transportation law in Turkey serving both Turkish and international clients, ship owners, railway companies, operators and builders, managers and NVOCC’s (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier), freight forwarders and customs clearance agents, logistics services providers (including third party logistics operators) and land transporters.

Telecommunications One of our teams specializes in legal issues relating to regulating telecommunications and IT activity. Group Law Firm’s technology, media and telecommunications practice captures the convergence of legal and technology issues affecting clients providing communications, publishing and e-commerce services to industry and consumers.

Energy Law Group Law Firm lawyers are expert on commercial and regulatory matters involving the purchase, sale, transportation, storage, distribution, and development of electric, natural gas, and other forms of energy. We have broad and long-standing background in the energy industry. We represent energy companies in various national and international projects.

Besides our industrial discipline and organized and intense follow-up work, we are reputed for our commercial approach to transactions and for understanding our clients’ commercial goal.

Company: Group Law Firm Name: Ahmet Kesli Email: ahmet@grouplaw.com.tr Web: www.grouplaw.com.tr Address: Pekintaş Plaza Kat: 9 Büyükdere Cad. No: 32, 34394-00 Mecidiyekoy – Istanbul/Turkey Phone: +90 (212) 211 66 11 Fax: +90 (212) 211 55 75

2014 Legal Awards | 37

Overall Law Firm of the Year - Qatar

Gulf Legal Consultants Composed of expert and traditional lawyers with in depth knowledge of international and Qatari laws, Gulf Legal Consultant is highly qualified to provide commercial legal services in all business sectors.

Gulf Legal Consultant (GLC) is a Qatari-based law firm working in compliance with the Qatari law organized to provide legal service requirements of individuals and various business sectors in the State of Qatar. GLC has a team of well experienced lawyers in diverse field of expertise in Qatari and International laws.

The firm has recently been named Overall Law Firm of the Year – Qatar, in the Acquisition International Legal Awards.

“Accepting this credit is a factual validation and recognition of our team’s hard-work, perseverance and commitment to our craft and most especially to our valued clients,” says Maridol Rioveros from the firm.

“It serves as our motivation & inspiration to strive better and provide the best legal service to our clients; this is on top of ensuring that we are still moved away up beyond the level of competition.

“GLC has been at the forefront as new issues in our field of expertise, Law emerge and new areas of economic activity develops guiding the creation of legal precedent and expanding the services and skills necessary to satisfactorily meet our client’s needs.

“Being recognised as one of the leading law firms in Qatar, the primary challenge now is how we can sustain being on the top. The pressure, of course, is to do better than what we have achieved from the previous year.

“This entails that we have to ensure that our law firm is a frontrunner in these changing and challenging demands of the law business.”

GLC provides work on a wide variety of substantive legal issues – constitutional law, bankruptcy, tax, and business torts to name a few, Riveros says, with each case presenting a new and interesting challenge and an opportunity to impact the law.

“The fast-paced and developing nature of the law in the legal profession provides both opportunities and challenges that inspire us to strive to aim high and make strenuous efforts in providing legal service to our valued clients.

“But above of it all and most importantly, the heart and essential purpose of our legal profession that makes it most rewarding, is able to solve and provide legal aid to our client’s needs.”

Differentiation other than simply by brand is key to client attraction and retention in 2014. How does GLC distinguish itself?

“GLC has over the years been able to establish an excellent reputation in providing legal services to our clients,” Rioveros says.

“Apart from providing an A+ service, practical legal solution, our endearing commitment and equitable billing practice, we value

building long-term open communication relationship amongst our clients. The latter, makes up our winning edge in client retention and firm’s inexpensive and unsolicited advertisement.”

Fact File

In Qatar, the competition in the region in all aspects and the fast growth and development of the economy is our big challenge, says Rioveros. “Challenges motivate our team, who have the ability, the flexibility and the skills to effectively meet these challenges.

“We strongly believe that an opportunity comes in every challenge.

Thus, we keep the right amount of motivation, dedication and hard work not just to meet but to exceed surpassing these challenges.”

Through the years, GLC has handled several complex cases, including arbitration, litigation and legal counselling. These have paved the way to make GLC one of the top choices among law firms in Doha, Qatar. “Thus, we promised that in 2015 and in the coming years to come, we shall remain to provide excellent legal services to all who need legal aids,” says Rioveros.

Transparency obviously plays a big part of working in the legal profession, and GLC’s commitment to clients, says Rioveros, is a combination of legal ability with accountability, delivering comprehensive resources and skilled advice and being transparent to the clients by giving them the factual situations and most importantly by providing competitive and transparent legal costs.

To pursue growth moving into 2015, firms must embrace new technology, says Rioveros. “Innovation in the legal field has undeniably improved delivery of legal services, however as we advanced to this technologies, clients is unable to obtain their required connections and personalized availability of legal counsels as they are accustomed to do.

“Accepting this credit is a factual validation and recognition of our team’s hard-work, perseverance and commitment to our craft and most especially to our valued clients,” Company: Gulf Legal Consultants Name: Maridol Rioveros Email: law@glc-qa.com Web: www.gulflegalconsultants.net Address: Businessmen building - Retaj, Al Sadd St. Beside Qatari News Agency Phone: +974 4444 7757 +974 4444 7797

“Here in GLC, we abreast gradual strategic approach in adapting to techno-savvy world, without the cost of the communication difficulty such as providing immediate answers personally to client’s legal queries.

“This is apart from the ethical obligation brought by tremendous technology advancement that each legal counsels, paralegals and administrative staffs are practicing with respect to diligent client information confidentiality handling.”

Over the coming months and years, the firm plans to continue doing what it does best, says Rioveros.

“Our law firm endeavours to continue to offer satisfactory, dedicated diligent legal service solutions to those in need of legal assistance whilst embracing the evolution of technology in the legal field and continuously provide improved, efficient and effective delivery of legal solution.” www.acquisition-intl.com

38 | 2014 Legal Awards

Best in Business Transactions - Czech Republic

GÜRLICH &Co. The law office GÜRLICH & Co was founded in February 2002. All members of the firm are experienced lawyers possessing outstanding professional expertise in various branches of law.

Currently, the firm consists of many lawyers who are supported by a qualified office staff. Besides, on a case to case basis, we would invite for cooperation many other external specialists and free-lance lawyers. This law firm is fully capable of offering legal services to both individuals and legal entities in almost all fields of civil and commercial law, all over the territory of the Czech Republic. We are capable of providing legal services in the Czech and English languages.

In the event of cross-border transactions and litigation, this office hires its cooperating international law offices as well as external foreign lawyers. Still, this Law Firm remains a purely Czech legal office free of any financial or other influence exerted by foreign and/or local nationals. This allows the firm to provide its services in compliance with law, professionally and independently.

• Scope of Legal Services • Business Transactions • Civil Law • Intellectual Property • Corporate Law and Business Law, Public Procurement • Labour Law • Real Estate • Litigation Our Key Values Professionalism We provide legal services in compliance with valid laws and legal provisions, taking into account forthcoming legal amendments,

which we permanently follow up and monitor. We hold and maintain a high level of quality with regards to drafted and elaborated documents and the overall quality of our services in order to reach optimal solution of any given problem.

Flexibility We strive to solve all of our clients’ legal issues as fast as possible, putting emphasis on their time limits and needs.

Personal Approach Our clients’ legal problems are always dealt with by the same employee of the firm, who is fully replaceable in case of absence.

Transparency Exact records of performance and costs incurred enable complete control during any phase of providing services. Force account always includes specification of reward and costs, date of performance and its specification in detail and duration.

Credibility At every step of the way in addressing a client’s issue, we seek express consent, meaning our clients are regularly and continuously informed on the state of the matter in hand.

Efficiency Great emphasis is put on optimalization of costs connected to provided services and no costs are ever incurred without our client’s consent.

Prague Old Town

www.acquisition-intl.com

Fact File GÜRLICH &Co. This law firm is fully capable of offering legal services to both individuals and legal entities in almost all fields of civil and commercial law, all over the territory of the Czech Republic.

Company: GÜRLICH &Co. Name: Richard Gürlich Email: info@akrg.cz Web: www.akrg.cz Address: Politických vězňů 19, 110 00 Prague 1, Czech Republic Phone: +420 222 101 591 Fax: +420 222 101 590

2014 Legal Awards | 39

Best New York Lawyer - Health Care

Harter Secrest & Emery LLP Harter Secrest & Emery LLP provides legal services to clients ranging from individuals and family-owned businesses to Fortune 100 companies and major regional institutions. With offices in Rochester, Buffalo, Albany, Corning, and New York, HSE comprises more than 130 attorneys and 260 staff. U.S. News & World Report/Best Lawyers® ranked HSE #1 among all Western New York law firms for 2013-14 and awarded our Health Care practice Tier 1 status for each of the four years that they have been conducting the rankings.

Serving the full spectrum of health care clients for over 45 years, HSE represents a diverse group of providers with a wide range of health care law issues. Experience in many areas of health care law enables HSE to efficiently assess and successfully resolve the complex state and federal legal matters facing providers today.

HSE clients are discerning and exacting, relying on them for high value, cost effective results and the foresight to anticipate challenges before they arise. By consistently exceeding clients’ expectations, HSE earned their loyalty and trust. The Firm actively partners with business leaders and entrepreneurs to successfully resolve their varied legal and business challenges. Whether working with a multinational or a two-person start-up company, HSE is dedicated to protecting its clients’ interests, and helping them gain a competitive advantage.

With many new and increasingly complex laws affecting health care providers, the “profession” of health care has become the “business” of health care, creating new risks, challenges, and opportunities for the industry. Hospital administrators have been forced to rapidly adapt to many challenges, addressing issues across the health care spectrum involving statutory and regulatory compliance, corporate compliance, shrinking reimbursements, competition, managed-care contracting, new contractual relationships, and the need to develop a more efficient delivery model.

HSE is adept at handling the full range of special projects, serving as counsel in affiliations, reorganizations, corporate struc-

turing and governance matters, for not-for-profit and for-profit entities/systems. HSE has addressed health care issues involving Catholic versus non-Catholic relations; structured, evaluated and dismantled clinical affiliations; and developed integrated delivery systems involving hospitals and physician services. The Firm also serves as counsel to major corporations and a growing number of companies engaged in high-tech areas such as lasers, optics, digital imaging, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and the Internet.

HSE’s Health Care attorneys bring uniquely diverse backgrounds and talents (such as health care, corporate, tax, employment, and litigation) to our practice. The Firm listens to and works closely with clients to fully understand their perspectives, needs, resources, and problems. With deep health care experience and thorough understanding of the complex legal and business problems facing health care providers, the Firm crafts creative and varied solutions to those problems. HSE guides providers on day-to-day operational, business, and regulatory issues involving patients, medical staff, medical records, financing, reimbursement, tax, contracts, and the numerous other matters that regularly arise. The Firm offers clients a variety of options and solutions, and then assist in selecting and implementing an approach, in a timely and efficient manner, designed to achieve the desired result.

Whether it’s daily operational issues or a special project, HSE is the go-to firm for health care professionals and organizations seeking legal wellness in all regulatory, operational, and business arenas.

Manhattan Bridge, New York

Fact File

Whether it’s daily operational issues or a special project, HSE is the go-to firm for health care professionals and organizations seeking legal wellness in all regulatory, operational, and business arenas.

Company: Harter Secrest & Emery LLP Name: Ross P. Lanzafame, Esq. Email: rlanzafame@hselaw.com Web: www.hselaw.com Address: 1600 Bausch & Lomb Place, Rochester, NY 14604-2711 Phone: +1 585.232.6500

www.acquisition-intl.com

40 | 2014 Legal Awards

Best for Tax Issues in European M&As

Kanzlei Arndt Stefan Arndt is a lawyer specialising in tax law in Cologne and Bonn, Germany.

Being named Best for Tax Issues in European M&A confirms our consistent specialisation in the subjects of tax law and tax-relevant civil law, as well as criminal law for tax offences. For many years now, our clients have appreciated the strong integration of the law office management – primarily by Attorney and Tax Advisor Mr Stefan Arndt - in all transaction processes and also in the permanent process of corporate taxation.

siderable financial disadvantages threaten. This support is then continued on the level of the successor, as German tax law has long-term rules in such a situation.

We assess the fact that our work is being honoured positively by a neutral party for the second time this year as being particularly positive. Our competence in the field had already been acknowledged at the beginning of the year by Focus Money magazine, where the 150 most highly qualified offices were determined by means of a subject-specific test amongst the 90,000 tax advisors in Germany. Here, we were one of the top offices in the country.

As a result of the experience gained in recent years, we can state that our clients primarily come to us due to the personal proximity of the decision-makers in our offices. High presence of the office management and optimum accessibility as well as fast implementation of the consultancy objectives are increasingly causing clients to look for medium-sized offices. We are additionally experiencing a tendency towards searching for consultants with a double qualification, i.e. the combination of attorney and tax advisor in one person. The clients’ expectation in this context is a fast decision without frictional losses due to coordination between a number of people.

The complexity of German tax law means an intensive requirement for consultancy, in particular for foreign investors. But corporate transactions and successions in enterprises within Germany are also often subject to great civil and tax law challenges. This is the segment where we have our interdisciplinary consultancy approach.

The challenge in the coming years will be convincing medium-sized German companies and, in particular, family-run companies that foresighted consultancy must form a strong part of corporate management. The necessity of strategic transactions and re-structuring is to be recognised at an early stage and implemented speedily by the consultants.

In this context, a focal point of consultancy of medium-sized, family-run companies has developed. As a result of the forthcoming changes in German inheritance tax law – the German Constitutional Court will be deciding on the continuation of the Inheritance Tax Act in force at the present in the coming weeks – they currently see themselves in a situation of succession in the enterprise by premature transfer of the enterprise to the next generation. It is essential that the corporate transfers resulting from this are accompanied by a specialist, as otherwise con-

For consultancy of the international market, the decisive thing will be taking the fear of Germany as a location away from the investors. Even if the German tax system can indeed have a deterring effect, it nevertheless offers investors varied possibilities of stringently achieving their objectives. Naturally, this can only be done on the basis of high-quality consultancy. Our task as consultants in this regard is to recognise the clients’ requirements and to put them into practice at short notice and in a qualified way by means of consultancy about the organisation.

Cologne cathedral at night

www.acquisition-intl.com

Fact File

“Being named Best for Tax Issues in European M&A confirms our consistent specialisation in the subjects of tax law and tax-relevant civil law, as well as criminal law for tax offences.”

Company: Kanzlei Arndt Name: Stefan Arndt Address: Cologne: Volksgartenstr. 70, 50677 Cologne, Germany Bonn: Luisenstr. 32, 53129 Bonn, Germany Email: info@kanzlei-arndt.com Web: www.kanzlei-arndt.com Phone: +49 (0221) 570 84 80

2014 Legal Awards | 41

Best in Auto Accidents - Canada

Klein Lyons For over 20 years, Klein Lyons has been helping car accident victims in British Columbia and class action clients across Canada. David Klein, Managing Partner, tells us more.

Klein Lyons is one of the leading providers of legal expertise in motor vehicle accident claims in British Columbia, Canada. For more than 20 years, Klein Lyons has helped clients obtain compensation for injuries suffered in auto accidents. The firms also represents clients from across Canada to obtain compensation in a broad range of class action lawsuits.

The Vancouver, British Columbia head office is the hub for the plaintiff motor vehicle accident practice, Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) cases and personal injury claims.

The firm is led by David Klein, who is recognized as one of Canada’s leading litigators by Best Lawyers in Canada, Benchmark Canada and Lexpert Canada. David has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for thousands of victims in a wide range of landmark cases.

Mr. Klein is a prolific writer and speaker on legal issues, and has given over 100 papers and presentations to various organizations, law schools, bar and trial lawyers associations across North America. Mr. Klein is frequently sought out by the media to comment on current legal issues in Canada.

David Klein, Managing Partner, reports, “The firm appreciates the recognition and the expression of confidence from Acquisition International and the nomination process. We have a top-notch

group of lawyers, and we continually advocate for the rights of British Columbians in our motor vehicle accident and personal injury practice. The award for 2014 Best Auto Accidents in Canada is a testament to our dedicated service to injured people.”

History of the Law Firm Klein Lyons has been in business for more than 20 years with 50 staff in offices in Vancouver and Toronto. The firm’s lawyers have bar calls in British Columbia, Ontario and Washington State. The personal injury practice serves Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond and all of British Columbia. The car accident practice has grown to help thousands of people obtain settlements for injuries, lost wages, property loss and medical expenses. Klein Lyons has successfully negotiated millions of dollars in settlements for minor to catastrophic injuries. David Klein was plaintiffs’ counsel in the first class actions certified in British Columbia, Manitoba and Newfoundland & Labrador. Landmark class action cases include Breast Implants, Hepatitis C Tainted Blood, Woodlands Residential School, Air Canada (Retiree Benefits), Crocus (Financial Advisor Negligence) and more. Millions of dollars have been won and distributed to clients. The firm has donated a portion of settlements to the Sauder School of Business at UBC and Canadian Hard of Hearing Association. They support various community organizations such as MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), Drop It And Drive, and Dress For Success.

Fact File

“The firm appreciates the recognition and the expression of confidence from Acquisition International and the nomination process.

We have a top-notch group of lawyers, and we continually advocate for the rights of British Columbians in our motor vehicle accident and personal injury practice. The award for 2014 Best Auto Accidents in Canada is a testament to our dedicated service to injured people.”

Company: Contact name: David Klein, Managing Partner Email: dklein@kleinlyons.com Web: www.kleinlyons.com Phone: +1 604 874 7171

www.acquisition-intl.com

42 | 2014 Legal Awards

Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Ghana

Ntrakwah & Co Ntrakwah & Co. is a leading law firm in Ghana with a reputation for high-standards of professionalism, commitment and integrity in the provision of legal services to its clients. We spoke to Felix Ntrakwah, Managing Partner, to find out more.

Being named Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Ghana, is a confirmation of the public knowledge of the leadership role of Ntrakwah & Co. in corporate law practice in Ghana, says Felix Ntrakwah, Managing Partner. “It gives credibility to the research of Acquisition International,” he says.

Ntrakwah & Co. represents a number of corporate organisations both locally and internationally, as well as individuals. “Our work entails advising clients on doing business in Ghana, taking them through setting up of their companies, ensuring that they comply with all the relevant laws of Ghana as far as their business is concerned,” Ntrakwah explains. “We prepare and draft legal documents for clients, provide legal opinions as and when required, consultancy services and general advisory services. In addition we represent clients with respect to corporate litigation.”

The firm was established in 1984 to take over the practice of Felix Ntrakwah, which he started in 1981 after leaving the civil service as an Assistant Registrar General of companies, trademarks, patents and designs. The principal objective was to respond to the need for a dependable specialised corporate law firm well versed in regulatory compliance at a time when most practitioners were engaged in general law practice. The firm has since made tremendous strides, with clients now including major Ghanaian, foreign and international financial and industrial corporate bodies. Foreign investors and financial institutions have benefited from the firm’s legal opinions, as well as due diligence prepared by Ntrakwah and Co. The firm has rendered various professional services in relation to foreign financed joint ventures, company formation privatisation of state enterprises and debt recoveries.

The strongest parts of Ntrakwah & Co. are banking and finance, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, legal due diligence, drafting of commercial agreements, corporate and commercial transactions and complex corporate and commercial litigation and international commercial arbitration, says Ntrakwah. Recently, the firm has worked on the completion of an acquisition that represents the latest addition to the growth of the hospitality industry in Ghana.

Also, in 2014, a new Companies Bill, prepared by a Committee of experts on Business law reform, including Felix Ntrakwah, was placed before Parliament. A draft Insolvency and Restructuring Bill prepared by Ghana Association of Restructuring and Insolvency Advisors and reviewed by the committee of experts on Business law reform was submitted to the Cabinet. These are two major developments which will enhance corporate law practice and governance if they are eventually passed into law.

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Ntrakwah & Co.’s insistence on client’s confidentiality, which is exhibited by its office setup, is often a subject of positive remarks by clients, says Ntrakwah, with a Frenchman having recently remarked, “Le bureau meme nous donne la confiance,” or the office gives us confidence. “The application of state-of-the-art technology to our lawyers’ work, in addition to our professionalism, integrity, reliability, dedication and commitment to the work we do, is also something which sets us apart from the competition,” says Ntrakwah.

Asked whether working in Ghana presents any specific challenges or opportunities that may not necessarily apply to firms in other parts of the world, Ntrakwah says the new procedure for company registration has in practice ended up extending the time it takes to register a company thus making it now difficult for the lawyer to make any prediction as to time’.

The most rewarding aspect of working in the legal profession, says Ntrakwah, is the thought of having brought relief to, or solved the problem of, a client. “It calls for dedication, interest in research and sometimes working at odd hours. It competes with family life if there is no effective planning.” We have not only achieved our objective but we have gone further to create the platform for sharing our knowledge and experience with the establishment of our subsidiary, Corporate Law Institute (CLI), whose motto is ‘WE SHARE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE’.

CLI trains lawyers and the business community in various aspects of corporate law, corporate governance and international business transactions using world class resource persons. Our other subsidiary Corporate Profile Limited provides company secretarial services to other companies.

As for the future, the firm will shortly complete a three year strategic plan which will require all partners to acquire additional specialised knowledge in their practice areas, says Ntrakwah.

“Emphasis will be placed on business development, improvement in other foreign language skills and the operation of a branch office in the oil city.”

Fact File

“Being named Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Ghana, is a confirmation of the public knowledge of the leadership role of Ntrakwah & Co. in corporate law practice in Ghana” Company: Ntrakwah & Co. Address: F.37 Abafun Crescent, Labone, Accra, Ghana E-mail: ntrakwahlawoffice@ yahoo.com ntrakwahandco@ ntrakwahandco.com Web: www.ntrakwahandco.com Phone: +233 302 777068/760776

2014 Legal Awards | 43

Best USA Lawyer - Discrimination Issues

Phillips & Associates, Attorneys at Law, PLLC Phillips & Associates is a workplace discrimination law firm serving the New York City and Tri-State area. Our firm has successfully represented numerous clients who have been sexually harassed or discriminated against because of their race, national origin, gender, religion, disability and other protected traits.

About the Practice At Phillips & Associates, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach – we always strive to provide quality, compassionate, and personalized representation for each and every one of our clients. Our firm makes every effort to obtain the maximum level of compensation for each client we serve.

At Phillips & Associates, we handle a variety of workplace discrimination matters, including Sexual Harassment and Pregnancy Discrimination. New York City laws prohibit discrimination in the workplace based on all of the following characteristics: • Age • Caregiving responsibilities • Criminal Conviction • Disability • Gender • National Origin • Pregnancy • Race • Religion • Sexual Orientation Sexual harassment by a person of the same or opposite sex is also prohibited by law. Workplace discrimination encompasses all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, wages, assignments, promotions, and layoffs. Call today for a free consultation (212) 248-7431 or fill out and submit our online Contact Us form.

Retaliation is Illegal Many people are afraid to complain of discrimination or sexual harassment in the workplace. Your employer is legally prohibited from retaliating against you because of a complaint you made regarding discrimination or sexual harassment. The law firm of Phillips & Associates also handles claims involving failure to pay overtime , retaliation for complaints of discrimination or harassment, violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), EEOC representation and mediation, severance agreements, and more.

We Focus on Employment Law & Discrimination The attorneys and staff at Phillips & Associates are seasoned legal professionals who are well-versed in employment and discrimination law. In all our cases, we strive to obtain a favorable settlement to save the time and expense of trial. But when necessary, our firm is willing and equipped to take your case to trial and vigorously defend your rights in court.

very difficult experience. Workplace discrimination or sexual harassment can undermine your job performance and personal life, as well as damage your sense of well-being and dignity. Our firm is dedicated to helping our clients achieve the justice they deserve and restore a sense of control over their lives. If you are being treated unfairly based on a protected trait or experiencing sexual harassment, there are legal recourses available to you.

However, the statute of limitations to bring job-related claims is brief, so it is in your best interests to consult an attorney as soon as possible.

Fact File

Browse our recent cases in the news to find out more about how Phillips & Associates can help you defend your rights on the job.

We handle cases on a contingent fee basis, which means that we charge absolutely no attorney’s fees unless we get compensation for you. Contact our office for a free initial consultation today.

Free Consultation To schedule a free consultation with an experienced New York workplace discrimination attorney, contact the law office of Phillips & Associates by calling (212) 248-7431 or fill out and submit our online Contact Us form. We look forward to providing you with the highest quality legal representation.

At Phillips & Associates, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach – we always strive to provide quality, compassionate, and personalized representation for each and every one of our clients.

Company: Phillips & Associates, Attorneys at Law, PLLC Name: Marjorie Mesidor Email: mmesidor@tpglaws.com Web: www.newyorkcitydiscriminationlawyer.com Address: 45 Broadway, Suite 620, New York, NY 10006 Phone: (212) 248-7431 Fax: (212) 901-2107

We Fight for Your Rights in the Workplace At Phillips & Associates, we understand that being the victim of discrimination or sexual harassment in the workplace is a

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44 | 2014 Legal Awards

Best in Executive Compensation - Netherlands

PwC Responsible executive pay is neither art nor science and poses an ongoing challenge. In its role as advisor, PwC uses its knowledge and expertise on various remuneration matters ranging from strategy, governance to design and implementation.

In the Netherlands, the debate on executive pay has not died away. On the contrary, it is still at the top of the regulatory, legislative and shareholder agenda - and frequently at the top of the news headlines. As a result, listed companies must be able to clearly demonstrate how their remuneration policy supports the company’s strategic plan and justify the link between pay and company performance. The wealth of new rules and guidelines mean companies are faced with the increasingly delicate task of creating an incentive package that is aligned with shareholder value, while retaining and motivating executives.

The frequency with which companies re-design their executive reward programmes, with long-term incentives posing a particular problem, testifies to the difficulty of getting them right.

Fuelling this issue are new accounting rules, changes to pensions tax legislation the emergence of the pensions regulator and the current governance environment. Ironically, while all have been established to aid rather than thwart companies’ efforts, these and other factors have lead to incentive programmes that do not meet the needs of either shareholders or executives.

Reward is a key tool for attracting, retaining and motivating those individuals who will add value to the business. Getting it wrong can mean loss of key talent, demotivated and disengaged executives or reward proposals that are not accepted by shareholders.

Striking the right balance while retaining a focus on the needs of the business is all important.

To make compensation and benefits work more effectively for both executives and shareholders, companies and remuneration committees need to design and test new programmes in the context of the total package.

Responsible executive pay is neither art nor science and poses an ongoing challenge. In our role as advisor, we use our knowledge and expertise on various remuneration matters ranging from strategy, governance to design and implementation. Fact based consulting to support robust decision-making requires insight and understanding of both market practice and the company’s strategic position and business agenda. We feel we can add great value by sharing experiences and best practices without a ‘onesize-fits-all’ approach, focusing on your strategic agenda and taking an integrated approach on executive pay analysing the relationship between the compensation paid and the company’s performance. Especially as this is also what external stakeholders are interested in.

We have a proven track record in the design and implementation of executive reward programmes, working with 40% of the FTSE100. Effective reward planning can help to recruit, retain and motivate key talent, and deliver value for money.

The distinguishing features of our approach are the wealth and depth of expertise and our business-focussed approach to reward design. Our compensation, tax, legal and actuarial experts work with statisticians, data analysts and modellers who test assumptions, identify implications, and track results. It is this combination of thought leadership and robust analysis that adds value for the organisations we work with.

Janet Visbeen

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Fact File

Reward is a key tool for attracting, retaining and motivating those individuals who will add value to the business.

Company: PwC Name: Janet Visbeen, Partner, Human Resource Services / Netherlands Reward practice leader Email: janet.visbeen@nl.pwc.com Web: www.pwc.nl Phone: +31 (0)88 792 6429 Mob: +31 (0)6 5464 2625

2014 Legal Awards | 45

Construction Law Firm of the Year - New Zealand

Queen City Law Queen City Law is a law firm specialising in commercial, property, property development, litigation and immigration law. We caught up with Marcus Beveridge, Principal, to find out more about how the firm is excelling in a competitive environment.

Queen City Law, in Auckland, New Zealand, is a highly specialised boutique law firm. Its areas of expertise include property and construction, immigration (especially for ultra-high-net-worth individuals) and litigation. With a client-centric team of lawyers, and the nimble nature of the practice coupled with a proven track record and the seniority of several of its lawyers, the firm is a highly sought after legal provider.

The firm has acted on the construction of some 2000 apartments in Auckland’s CBD, a significant amount of the major property dealings in Auckland, played a leading role in the remedial work on many of the larger leaky building projects, spearheaded consent projects for some of New Zealand’s largest ever property developments in the last 10 years or so and is widely recognised as being one of the smartest law firms that is very active in the New Zealand property & construction sector. Most recently, it has acted on the acquisition and disposal of some of Auckland’s most valuable central city development sites, added the provision of real estate services to its core skills and continues to play a leading role in the ongoing development of the engine room of the rock star of the world economy, namely Auckland, New Zealand.

Recently, the firm has provided a significant amount of advice on the largest ever proposed high-rise in New Zealand – close to 100,000 square metres and a $400m build.

Queen City Law is pleased to be the recipient of the Acquisition International Construction Law Firm of the Year - New Zealand award for 2014, says Marcus Beveridge, Principal. “Since 2009, Queen City Law has also won more of the local property and construction law awards in New Zealand than any other firm in the country, so the firm is pleased with this further recognition of one of its areas of expertise.”

The New Zealand legal profession is in a dynamic state in 2014, says Beveridge. “New Zealand has weathered the GFC much better than virtually any other country, and the earthquakes Auckland skyline

in Christchurch and the recovery coupled with major overdue infrastructure work in Auckland and a booming property market means that most talented property and construction lawyers have had their sleeves rolled up for some time now. For Queen City Law, we have hired more talented lawyers, a couple of whom have several masters in Tax Law degrees between them.”

Fact File

The strongest parts of Queen City Law include, among other things, the reputation of its leaders, the loyalty of the firm’s key clients, the knowledge of its legal practitioners, the proven and well-known deals it has completed, the unique skill-set it enjoys and the flow of work between its main teams coupled with the fact it is a fun firm to work with, Beveridge says.

“We would like to thank Acquisition International for the Legal Award, and trust that the magazine’s international reputation continues to flourish.”

“For Queen City Law one of the most rewarding aspects of legal work is seeing a number of its key clients flourish in their respective businesses often adopting a trusted advisor and partnering model with the firm,” he says. “In addition, we take enormous joy when our clients obtain permanent residence or citizenship in New Zealand, as it can sometimes be an emotional journey and it is humbling for our staff when the happy tears flow.”

Looking to the future, Queen City Law’s plans for the coming months and years are to continue to do what it has been doing, and grow its income streams by remaining a step or two ahead.

“In addition, we are investing in new legal software, really do intend to become paperless, have a couple of new websites under development and will do everything we can to remain market leaders in our specialised fields,” Beveridge says. “As noted, our unique positioning means we are one of the few firms in the country able to exploit real estate services – our existing client base, networks, language capability of our lawyers which include Mandarin, Indonesian, Spanish, Korean, Filipina coupled with the increasing investment flow from some of these jurisdictions and our positioning and experience in the property and construction sectors place us in a very advantageous position.”

Company: Queen City Law Email: law@queencitylaw.co.nz Web: www.queencitylaw.co.nz Address: Level 8, 203 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010 New Zealand Phone: +64 09 970 8810

As they pursue growth moving into 2015, industry leaders must of course embrace new technology, Beveridge says – but it’s the time-proven values that will sustain a business’ growth. “Our core team of legal practitioners all communicate throughout the city on various applications on their smart phones every day, so intelligence is quicker and instant. Nevertheless, it is the old, proven qualities of courtesy, humility, loyalty and ethics and suchlike that will stand the test of time and apply to 2015 and beyond.

“We would like to thank Acquisition International for the Legal Award, and trust that the magazine’s international reputation continues to flourish,” Beveridge concludes. “And we wish all lawyers around the globe every success – but, as they say, ‘keep it real’.”

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46 | 2014 Legal Awards

Best in Energy Regulation Law - Canada

Regulatory Law Chambers Regulatory Law Chambers is a Calgary-based boutique law firm dedicated to excellence in energy regulated matters. Rosa Twyman, Founder and Partner, tells us more about how the firm is excelling in the ever-changing energy landscape.

Alberta-based law firm Regulatory Law Chambers (RLC) specialises in oil and gas, electricity, renewable energies, climate change, tolls and tariff, regulated commercial, compliance and environmental legal matters. The firm represents clients in proceedings before the Alberta Energy Regulator, the Alberta Utilities Commission, the National Energy Board, superior and appellate Courts, and in arbitrations and mediations for energy related matters.

RLC’s roster of clients ranges from blue-chip to development stage companies across pipeline, oil and gas and renewable energy.

The firm’s continuing strong performance in this challenging field has seen it named Best in Energy Regulation Law – Canada in the Legal Awards, an honour which, says Rosa Twyman, Founder and Partner, represents RLC’s commitment to serving its clients.

“As a Calgary based boutique law firm focused on energy regulatory law in Alberta, we are grateful to be recognised internationally with the Best in Energy Regulation Law – Canada award,” she says. “RLC strives to provide practical and strategic advice, effective advocacy and exceptional service to our highly sophisticated client base. Recognition through industry awards demonstrates this excellence to our current and prospective clients. Increasingly, clients from outside the region seek this type of third-party confirmation.”

Twyman says recent trends in the legal profession, including strong competition from legal outsourcing firms, have not affected RLC negatively. “Because RLC is highly specialised, we have been insulated from legal outsourcing,” she says. “We are small and nimble without the significant conflict issues and cost structure of larger firms. Our challenge will be to expand to a size that could undertake very large scale facility projects. To do so, we would have to build with the right people.”

“The flexibility and focus afforded by our smaller size allows us to offer responsive and efficient representation, and great attention to detail in complex proceedings. We value trust and honesty in our relationships with our clients and experts. We enjoy and value working as a team, internally, with our clients and with industry experts.”

energy sector. “As demand grows for reliable and responsibly developed energy projects, so too will the number of energy projects,” says Twyman. “Obtaining a licence to operate has shown to be one of the greater challenges facing operators in the Alberta energy industry over the past few years. While Alberta has expert tribunals to weigh public interest, the approval process can be lengthy and is often subject to legal challenges and appeal proceedings, to the great frustration of clients. Avoidance or mitigation of proceedings can significantly mitigate timing, cost and consequently commercial risk to projects.”

“On the electricity side, Alberta’s competitive market design can create challenges and issues. (Alberta is bordered by provinces/ territories with state-owned vertically-integrated utilities and is the only “open electricity market” in Canada.) The legal and regulatory issues this raises require special expertise (legal, economic, technical, environmental and so on), not encountered in other jurisdictions or not presented in the same manner.”

Working in the legal profession, particularly in the energy industry, engages a multitude of disciplines, says Twyman. “It presents great challenges and opportunities to learn about parts of the industry many people don’t often see - issues that are new, interesting and innovative. On behalf of our clients we support economic, responsible and sustainable development of energy and energy being brought to market.”

“We find it most rewarding getting the right result for the right clients, allowing them to focus on doing their business and achieving their own corporate goals.”

Moving into 2015, business leaders need to take a proactive approach to consultation, compliance and social licence concerns in the energy industry. “This is a key takeaway from several of the more recent energy infrastructure applications proceedings in Canada,” she says.

“A team approach to issues allows exploring a variety of ideas.

Being prepared to think and listen to other points of view facilitates finding practical and timely commercial solutions for issues.”

“Our firm prepares and distributes monthly reports summarizing decisions of the National Energy Board and Alberta regulators as well as topical client updates. This allows us and our clients to keep up to date on the recent developments in the regulatory industry in Alberta and Canada.”

Looking to the future, with the energy industry constantly changing, firms need to be ready to adapt, Twyman says. “Energy needs change, the law changes, technology changes, sources of supply change, types of supply change, companies change focus or policy, or sell assets. This means continual challenges and changes creating exciting opportunities.”

By virtue of the sheer scale of its resource potential, Alberta as a jurisdiction is a unique proposition for any firm working in the

“We see this flux as an opportunity for RLC; as a boutique, we are well suited to adapt, respond to and embrace change.”

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Fact File

“As a Calgary based boutique law firm focused on energy regulatory law in Alberta, we are grateful to be recognised internationally with the Best in Energy Regulation Law – Canada award,” Company: Regulatory Law Chambers Name: Rosa Twyman Phone: +1 403 930 7991 Address: #601, 888 Fourth Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 0V2, Canada Email: Rosa.Twyman@RLChambers.ca Web: www.regulatorylawchambers.ca

2014 Legal Awards | 47

Medical Liability Practicioners of the Year - USA

Rosenblum & Newfield Rosenblum Newfield is a civil litigation, administrative, and health care law firm, representing health care providers – physicians, nursing homes, home health care companies and insurers – in diverse legal matters. James Rosenblum, Founder, tells us more about the firm and its work in the challenging medical liability field.

Founded in 1992, Rosenblum Newfield, LLC is a law practice with offices in New York and Connecticut. The firm has established a record of accomplishment based on its core values and on proprietary methodologies that have proven successful for its clients.

The firm concentrates in the defence side of civil litigation matters (with a special focus in medical liability cases/malpractice claims), administrative hearings and health care law. It is known for highly informed representation of medical professionals, nursing homes, home health care companies, and businesses in a variety of other industries. It maintains relationships with liability insurers throughout the United States, based on an appreciation of the business and financial pressures these companies face, as well as their reporting and procedural needs.

Medical liability litigation is complicated: jurors and other laymen may not comprehend the medical issues raised in a case. The perception that insurance is available may also sway decisions in a plaintiff’s favour, and the increasing role of state disciplinary agencies adds further challenges to any medical complaint.

Being named Medical Liability Practioners of the Year – USA is an acknowledgement of the firm’s commitment to serving its clients in an often difficult, complex field, says James Rosenblum, Founder. “The award signifies international recognition for service to clients in the evolving and challenging areas of health care law and litigation.”

The firm’s clients include insurers who concentrate in medical and professional liability litigation. “There is a wide spectrum of law firms, many of which are successful but which function very differently,” Rosenblum says. “In the resurging global economy, Brooklyn Bridge at dusk

clients want a higher level of service and responsiveness, direct and easy access to senior and seasoned litigators, and individualised management of client concerns.”

In 2014, the stakes of litigation have increased as verdicts have increased, says Rosenblum. “Similarly, the costs of litigating cases have increased. Meanwhile, clients continue to face rigid budgets. There is not always a direct correlation between a dollar of legal services and a dollar reduction in a verdict or settlement.

Therefore, personal relationships, close relationships, constant communication, trust in the judgment of legal counsel is greater than ever.”

Differentiation other than simply by brand is key to client attraction and retention in 2014. How does Rosenblum Newfield distinguish itself? “While there is a lot of litigation and there are a lot of lawyers who concentrate in litigation, there are relatively few with extensive experience in court, handling cases from summons to verdict and, where necessary, on to appeal,” Rosenblum says. “We have a track record of handling health care law and liability cases in court and dedicated clients that recognise the importance of these attributes.

“Transparency comes through frequent, lucid communication,” he adds.

Moving into 2015, law firms need to remember that they exist, above all else, to serve their clients, Rosenblum says. “Law is viewed as a business. Law firms are managed as so-called Fortune 500 companies. There is a greater need than ever that law firms be service providers and true counsellors to their clients.”

Fact File Rosenblum Newfield

“The award signifies international recognition for service to clients in the evolving and challenging areas of health care law and litigation.”

Contact Name: James Rosenblum Address: The Chrysler Center, 405 Lexington Ave., 26th Fl., # 26001 New York, NY 10174-2699 USA Phone: +1 212 888 8001 Email: JBR@JBResq.com Web: www.rosenblumnewfield.com

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48 | 2014 Legal Awards

Law Firm of the Year - Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Office Lawyers & Consultants Founded in 1978, the Saudi Office, Lawyers & Consultants, has become one of the leading law firms in the field of advocacy throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Middle East, and worldwide.

The Saudi Office, Lawyers & Consultants carries out all representation and litigation procedures, such as filing, defending, and pleading all lawsuits before all judicial and administrative authorities. The Saudi Office, Lawyers & Consultants, provide legal consultation services, insure compliance with the regulations and rules, draft, prepare and review all contracts documents, apply the necessary steps to register the companies, draft labour regulatory and penalties rules, incorporate companies and amend its articles of incorporation, prepare the acquisition and merger of all companies, such as joint stock companies, partnerships and limited liability companies, and incorporate foreign investment companies through the Saudi Arabia General Investment Authority (SAGIA).

The Saudi Office, Lawyers & Consultants, is an eminent member of many domestic, regional and international organisations and institutions through the efforts of its founder Dr. Ali A. Al-Suwailem and its members. The Saudi Office, Lawyers & Consultants has contractual relations with many domestic, foreign and global companies, in addition to its relation with many governmental and semi-governmental authorities in order to provide our legal services and satisfy all their legal needs.

As a pioneering force in the dynamic field of legal services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Middle East and the whole world, we, the Saudi Office, Lawyers & Consultants, appoint highly qualified professionals to provide effective and practical solutions to our clients in all legal matters in order to achieve our mission.

Areas of Expertise The Saudi Office, Lawyers & Consultants, carries out pleadings before all judicial and administrative bodies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia including, but not limited to, the General Courts, Board of Grievances, Commissions for the Settlement of Labour Disputes, Arbitration Panels, Committee for the Resolution of Insurance Infractions and Disputes, Committee for the Resolution of Banking Disputes, Committee for the Resolution of Securities Disputes, Office for the Resolution of Commercial Papers Disputes, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, King Abdul-Aziz City for Science and Technology, the Patent Office of Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf and the Saudi Network Information Center.

Furthermore, the Saudi Office, Lawyers & Consultants, provides legal consultation services to multiple governmental organization, companies, establishments and individuals in all fields, in addition to drafting myriad contracts, memoranda, and regulations.

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The following are some of litigation services and legal consultations provided by the Saudi office, Lawyers & Consultants: • Administrative lawsuits • Commercial matters • Corporate Governance • Banking disputes • Securities disputes • Investment • Construction engineering & contracting • Telecommunications • Healthcare • Transportation • Suits related to lawful rights • Labour disputes • Insurance claims • Indemnity claims • Electronic crimes • Tourism and hospitality • Mediation and arbitration • Enforcement of foreign judgments Message of the Firm Advocacy is a profession carrying a superior message aiming to provide consultation and representation in order to defend, support, and prove rights before judicial authorities in accordance with the laws and regulations. It provides assistance to the judicial system in clarifying the facts and revealing the truth for rendering fair judgments.

The firm’s main target is to serve right and justice and do its best to serve those whom have entrusted it with their legal affairs and cases by providing professional consultation, assistance and precise follow up of their matters to the optimal satisfaction.

About the Founder For more than three decades, Dr. Ali A. Alsuwailem has been dedicated to working in a professional way, complying with the principles of honour, integrity and rules and ethics of advocacy whether before judicial authorities or clients, colleagues and adversaries. As a result, he has been able to gain the confidence and respect of all individuals and organisations, as well as creating numerous opportunities for serving advocacy and its practitioners. This privilege was achieved during practicing this profession under the name of the Saudi Office, Lawyers and Legal Advisors, which began small, and through his devotion, persistence and patience, and the efforts of the lawyers and consultants of the Office, has become one of the most distinguished law firms in the Kingdom, comprising professional lawyers and legal advisors in all legal fields.

Fact File

As a pioneering force in the dynamic field of legal services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Middle East and the whole world, we, the Saudi Office, Lawyers & Consultants, appoint highly qualified professionals to provide effective and practical solutions to our clients in all legal matters in order to achieve our mission.

Company: The Saudi Office, Lawyers & Consultants Name: Dr. Ali A. Al-Suwailem Email: sta@stasa.com Web: www.stasa.com Address: Rabwah - Omer Bin A. Aziz Road - West Nahdah Tunnel P. O. Box 15343, Riyadh 11444 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Phone: +966 (11) 4773111 Fax: +966 (11) 4773953

2014 Legal Awards | 49

Best in Intellectual Property Law - Argentina

Sena & Berton Moreno Gustavo A.A. Sena, Partner at Sena & Berton Moreno law firm in Buenos Aires, tells us why his firm is leading the way in IP in Argentina.

Sena & Berton Moreno (SBM) was founded in 1937 by Alfredo Sena and Ernesto E. Berton Moreno as a patent and trademarks agency with a stable staff of only four people. Since then, the firm has grown to reach its current size of forty people.

“We are a law firm with strong expertise in IP, but we consider ourselves business lawyers as a whole,” says Gustavo A.A. Sena, Partner. “Our focus is to help our customers to do business better and safer, with special emphasis on the protection of their IP assets.”

“Our main customers both directly and through colleagues worldwide, are companies of all types, who see the protection of their IP assets a key competitive element.

“Our job is basically to have safe, efficient and systematic, with the added value of strategic advice provided by our experience of many years in the market, so customers can focus on doing business in an environment of safety for their assets particularly IP assets.

“Given our base business in Argentina in particular and Latin America in general, we are preparing hard, constantly upgrading our management systems and managing big data to be ready and competitive for when that wave of global resurgence in the overall economy overtake us; estimates that will be starting in late 2015.”

Being named Best in Intellectual Property Law – Argentina represents every member of the firm’s focus on serving its customers, says Sena. “Notwithstanding we always work seeking excellence and defending the interests of our customers, every recognition gratifies us,” he says. “It is an incentive to continue to deepen the commitment to excellence, not only for partners, but for every one of the members of SBM, lawyers and paralegals.”

The firm’s strength lies in its knowledge and experience, Sena says. “We are respected by both the authorities in charge of the IP office, our colleagues and judges.

“However, to remain leaders in our practice, as in any business activity, we should always invest in systems & equipment, and in ongoing training of our members and collaborators.

At SBM, the customer relationship is personal and committed, Sena says. “That marked us forever, we learned it from our father, Alfredo Sena, the founder of the organisation, who worked every day from 1937 until his death, personally controlling the quality of work and attention to our customers, based on trust, respect and – especially – honesty.”

Fact File

The legal profession, particularly in Argentina, has become complex, yet challenging, in recent times, says Sena. “Take into account that there have been approved in recent months transcendental rules, amending the substantive law, such as the new Unified Civil and Commercial Code, as well as new rules that give greater rights and fastest procedures open to citizens in consumer relations. Therefore, the challenge for our business is to develop the skills and tools to help our customers to do business in an increasingly profuse regulatory environment; there is always place for entrepreneurs and visionaries, even in difficult contexts, and we are and will be there to support them from our expertise areas.”

“Argentina is a strategic reservoir of natural resources, both renewable and non-renewable. In turn, the regulatory framework has been complicated in recent years,” he says.

“Then our challenge is to take advantage of all that natural potential, which is our competitive advantage, despite increasing regulation. We believe that the potential will prevail over the obstacles.”

Sena says that, moving into 2015, the ability to adapt to changing scenarios will be vital in order to stay in the lead. “We must also be open to innovation and continuous process improvement; key to all this is the adoption of new technologies. We must let go without fear of instruments which may have served before, but they must be replaced to take advantage of technological advances.”

Over the coming months and years, SBM will strive for the continuous professional training and specialisation of its members, says Sena. “We do not see the changes in the industry as a negative thing, but as new challenges and development opportunities for our business.”

Being named Best in Intellectual Property Law – Argentina represents every member of the firm’s focus on serving its customers.

Company: Sena & Berton Moreno Name: Gustavo A.A. Sena Address: Rivadavia 611, 5th Floor, C100AAE, Buenos Aires, Argentina Email: law@sbm.com.ar Web: www.sbm.com.ar Phone: +54 1143317316

“Another great part of the investment of our firm is in the constant presence in the forums where IP issues are treated academically throughout the world; each trip we bring the learning to incorporate into our regular practice. It also allows us to establish & keep good relations with our colleagues in other countries, and exchange valuable experiences to stay at the forefront of professional practice in our region.”

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50 | 2014 Legal Awards

Most Innovative Law Firm - Indonesia

Simbolon & Partners Simbolon & Partners is an Indonesian law firm with a high profile team of professionals which renders comprehensive legal services to clients, both domestic and foreign, to meet their interests.

Simbolon & Partners, in Jakarta, Indonesia, provides legal services, mostly to local and foreign investors.

arrangement agreed upon by both parties before the commencement of our working on the case.

The firm’s comprehensive legal services include the following: corporate and commercial; alternative dispute resolution & litigation; labour and immigration; intellectual property rights; debt recovery/collection; research on laws/regulations; and company search/investigation.

“In general, we follow international practices by billing with the hourly rate, which ranges from US$150– US$300 per hour, depending on the skills, experience and knowledge of the particular attorney handling the matter. As for reference, the hourly rates for the lawyers are as follows: Partner US$300; Senior Associate US$200; Associate US$150. We believe these rates compare favourably with those charged by other major law firms in Jakarta, and are subject to applicable taxes.

In 2014, the legal profession has encountered several legal dynamics, such as the issue of advocate law amendment, change of negative investment list, and preparation of the ASEAN Economic Community, says Yudianta Medio N. Simbolon, Founder and Managing Partner.

“Indonesia is becoming more open to foreign investors and welcoming free trade induces the widespread of investment opportunity on many sectors. However, the firm still faces several challenges from keeping up with the latest prevailing laws and regulations to handling the disharmony between one regulation and another on different sectors.”

The current state of M&A in Indonesia is highly developed within the last few years, says Simbolon. “The opportunity to provide legal advice and assist clients in order to conduct M&A properly is obviously exciting. Nevertheless, as a prominent law firm, we have to ensure that each client obtains the right decision whether or not to conduct M&A, to know the background and vision regarding the financial circumstances and synergy of the products.

“Nowadays, banking and finance are the hot sectors in the world of M&A. However, considering the development of technology and the ASEAN Economic Community, the markets are likely to move onto telecommunication and trade (commercial industry) sectors.”

Differentiation other than simply by brand is key to client attraction and retention in 2014. How does S&P distinguish itself from its competitors?

“We understand that we operate in global transnational transaction and we act and represent our Clients and liaise with the authorities with any circumstances, both outside and inside the court, where the corruption may exist and however never be an excuse for us,” says Simbolon. “We, S&P, take a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption. We are committed to prevention, detection and investigation to bribery and corruption.

“As one of the best law practices in Indonesia, we strive to maintain the highest standards of practice through a process of selectively recruiting the best people for the job, careful supervision, and rigorous training.

Our lawyers are dedicated to provide the best quality services to our clients. We strive to meet and exceed customer expectations by working together to provide information and services, which is personalised to our clients’ needs.

“We understand that our valued clients need to budget their legal costs.

Our goal here at Simbolon & Partners is to assist our client with a better comprehension of where their fund is going to, and we are happy to discuss the basis of our charges and billing procedures. Bills are prepared primarily based on the time spent on your case, unless there is another

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“We consider the product delivered to client would be Simbolon & Partners’ products, instead of the individual‘s. In practice, we will conduct our assignment with two levels of supervision (Senior Associate and Partners), and therefore we will charge a single rate: US$200, regardless of how many lawyers are involved and/or their position to conduct such assignment.

“We also offer our potential client with no-charge initial legal advice during the meeting at our office and we also could provide our fee with fixed rate once we can determine the scope of work.”

The strongest parts of S&P’s business which are investment law, commercial litigation and intellectual property rights matters, says Simbolon.

“As we move into 2015, business is developing, and then in order to keep up with the development, there are some legal areas in which I am looking forward to invest, which are oil and gas law, property industry law, and plantation law.”

Transparency obviously plays a big part of working in the legal profession. How does S&P ensure this, and what are the challenges present in this area? “We are instructed by the clients and we are hereby authorised to assume conduct of the legal matters presented to us for representation as client’s counsel,” says Simbolon. “In the course of our representation of the client, we will provide reports and updates to the client on an interim basis when the matters are active. Clients authorise us to do all things necessary relating to the legal matters affecting the client, all for the protection of the client’s interest, and to act as the client’s counsel, either in such manner as the authorised directors or officers of the client instruct. Our firm’s objective is to work with the client in achieving their goals as efficiently as possible.

“We will protect the confidentiality of any information that you provide to us and avoid conflicts of interest in representing you. The teamwork that we build at S&P would take their responsibilities very seriously and will never discuss your affairs with any other person or organization outside the firm without your express permission. We understand that clients need to know that they can trust a firm before asking it to give them advice.

“To ensure transparency in my legal profession, I always declare to my clients even before signing the contract that my law firm always follows the procedures and regulations; thus, we do not tolerate any bribery or corruption. The challenge in this area will be convincing the officials that we are only doing legal practice in accordance with prevailing law and regulations; hence, there will not be any bribery and/or illegal promises.”

Fact File

“As one of the best law practices in Indonesia, we strive to maintain the highest standards of practice through a process of selectively recruiting the best people for the job, careful supervision, and rigorous training. Our lawyers are dedicated to provide the best quality services to our clients. We strive to meet and exceed customer expectations by working together to provide information and services, which is personalised to our clients’ needs.”

Company: Simbolon & Partners Email: info@simbolon-lawfirm.com Web: www.simbolon-lawfirm.com Address: Menara Bidakara I, 2nd Floor, Jl. Jend.

Gatot Subroto Kav. 71-73, Jakarta Selatan 12870, Indonesia Phone: +62 21 83793027-28

2014 Legal Awards | 51

Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year - Romania

TSAA Romanian law firm TSAA manages the entire spectrum of legal matters pertaining to business law areas both as counsellors and as litigators. Silviu Stratulat, Managing Partner, tells us more.

TSAA is a fast growing and innovative Romanian law firm, highly committed to reach the highest standards in assisting our clients in business matters. The firm manages the entire spectrum of legal matters pertaining to business law areas both as counsellors and as litigators.

The team consists of 24 highly experienced and dedicated lawyers, most of them being previously trained amongst top tier local and multinational law firms. The legal team is closely aided by more than 10 paralegals, certified translators and assistants.

Through its pioneering multigenerational attorneys, TSAA provides a dedicated and highly professional legal assistance to important local and international companies acting in the most various fields of activity, ranging from the automotive and heavy industry to pharmaceutical and food industry.

TSAA firm is “greatly honoured” to be named Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year – Romania in the Legal Awards, says Silviu Stratulat, Managing Partner. “Receiving this award, given the strong bond between all the individuals in our firm, caused the rejoicing of our entire team, not only the M&A Division. Although this distinction was awarded in the M&A field, the recipient is TSAA – not so much as an entity, but as a team of professionals, and so the enthusiasm of receiving this award was shared by our entire collective.”

In a complex and rapidly shifting business climate, TSAA is an efficiency-oriented practice distinguished by its personal client-attorney relationship approach, Stratulat says. “Our professional offer was not intended to mirror other establishments, adding minor tweaks, but was rather conceived by the partners from the ground up, bringing together a mixture of flavours focusing on providing efficient solutions to our client’s legal issues at un unsurpassed fee/quality ratio, strategic thinking and planning, legal expertise and innovation, and also client care. The personal involvement and crossing beyond the service provider-client relationship boundary make TSAA a solid and reliable partner to any business, regardless of its stage of development.”

Different regions present distinct characteristics and specific challenges and opportunities, and so, naturally, working in and for different parts of the world is a different experience altogether, says Stratulat. “Our experience with international clients and also with our international partnerships with correspondent law firms taught us that regional barriers can be breached by applying a constant work ethic and a coherent professional offer – in other words, by sticking to our principles.”

that relationship’s effect on the output of the firm’s work. “Our partners have managed to set up the premises for a relaxed, friendly working environment, which spun off into long lasting friendships between the members of our team, resulting in a finely tuned, highly efficient work engine with no component of stress and strain, which ultimately benefits our clients in both the quality of the services rendered to them, and also from the perspective of costs.”

Fact File

One of the most rewarding aspects of working in the legal profession is finding the right solution for a complex issue which your client faces, he says. “The dynamics and particularities of each legal matter subject to our analysis generate unique solutions, and finding the right one, due to the joint efforts and innovations of an entire team, is a thrill which makes us proud firstly of being part of such a team and, not lastly, of working in this profession.”

Asked if there are any recent achievements of which the firm is proud, Stratulat says, “We could nominate few achievements that we are proud of, such as the completion of certain complex transactions in which our team was involved this year or the outstanding progress that our younger colleague made in the last months. But to point out one accomplishment that we are particularly proud is the international recognising of our continuing efforts to reach the highest standards in assisting our clients in business matters since our establishment, such as the prestigious accolade awarded by Acquisition International.”

Arc De Triomphe, Bucharest

“to point out one accomplishment that we are particularly proud is the international recognising of our continuing efforts to reach the highest standards in assisting our clients in business matters since our establishment, such as the prestigious accolade awarded by Acquisition International.”

Company: TSAA Name: Silviu Stratulat Address: 27 Ion Brezoianu St., Floors 5th & 6th, Bog’art Center, 1st District, Bucharest, Romania Email: office@tsaa.ro Phone: +40 (21) 316 87 49 Web: www.tsaa.ro

Stratulat says the strongest part of TSAA’s business is the outstanding relationship between the individuals in the firm and

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52 | 2014 Legal Awards

Innovation Award: Sustained Excellence in Law - Arizona

Walker & Peskind, PLLC Walker & Peskind’s mission is to provide the services of top-rated attorneys in the most cost-effective manner possible, thereby making premier legal representation available to a greater number of individuals and companies.

Walker & Peskind, PLLC began with its namesakes and founding partners, Richard Walker and the late EJ Peskind. As lawyers with long, distinguished careers and national experience in large firms, Rick and EJ shared the concern that the ever-growing billing rates of the large firms puts premier legal representation beyond the reach of most individuals and small to medium-sized companies, and make the engagement of attorneys who can provide such high caliber representation difficult to justify even for the legal departments of large corporations.

In a large law firm, where billing rates are high to begin with, it is a common expectation that a premier lawyer will increase his or her rate substantially each year, which results in formidable increases in the cost of the same services over a period of even a few years. In addition to shouldering these large increases, clients often arrive at an “attorney meeting” only to find the table staffed with multiple younger partners, associates and paralegals - and their additional billing rates. These and other inefficiencies in the large firms make hiring a premier attorney simply too expensive for many.

Rick and EJ knew there had to be a better way to deliver premier service without putting clients to such exorbitant expense. The answer lay in experience, expertise, and efficiency. Experienced lawyers with well-developed expertise in their fields of practice are able to arrive more efficiently at clear assessments of the legal issues confronting their clients and devise insightful strategies for effectively dealing with those issues. When such quality service can be delivered from the context of a law firm built on a lean business model that never ceases to strive for greater operating efficiencies, clients receive the high caliber legal services they want and deserve, but at considerably lower cost than they otherwise would be required to pay for comparable service.

Walker & Peskind puts experience, expertise, and efficiency together to form a new model of the premier law firm. Engage any of our partners and you put decades of experience and knowledge on your side; your attorney is AV® Preeminent™ rated (highest legal abilities and ethical standards) and acknowledged expertise in his preeminent practice areas. At minimum, a Walker & Peskind attorney has excellent credentials and has been practicing law with a high degree of success for at least seven years, and our current partners have an aggregate of over 100 years of experience in the practice of law. Our emphasis on people with experience and well-honed expertise also extends to our paralegals, all of whom are required to have at least a college degree and five years of quality experience before they can be considered for a position with us.

We are a growing firm, but our growth plan is premised on these core values. Accordingly, all attorneys and paralegals who join

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us understand and appreciate that our special emphasis on the combination of experience, expertise, and efficiency is what sets us apart and puts us in a position to ensure that everyone who works on our clients’ matters adds value.

Fact File

Clients and Partners There are many law firms that claim to approach their relationships with their clients as if they were business partners. At Walker & Peskind, when we say we consider our clients to be our business partners, however, these are not just words. We are committed to doing whatever we can to help our clients be more successful, because we recognize that our clients’ success not only benefits them, but also us. Even if it has nothing to do directly with the legal services we have been retained by a client to provide, we consider it very important that we know our client’s business well enough to be in a position to recognize opportunities that can help the client reach or exceed its business objectives. We remain constantly on the alert for such opportunities and are only too pleased when we can help our clients take advantage of them.

Practice Areas Our practice areas represent the depth and experience of our current attorneys. We have substantial expertise fields including, but not restricted to the following: • Complex Civil Litigation • Class Actions & RICO • Corporate & Commercial Law • Commercial Transactions • Executive Employment Agreements • Business Planning & Exit Strategies • Labor & Employment Law • Collective Bargaining and Labor Arbitration • Real Estate & Commercial Transactions • Real Estate Development Services • Real Estate & Commercial Litigation Scottsdale, Arizona

Walker & Peskind puts experience, expertise, and efficiency together to form a new model of the premier law firm.

Company: Walker & Peskind, PLLC Name: Richard K. Walker Email: rkw@azlawpartner.com Web: www.azlawpartner.com Address: 16100 N. 71st Street, Suite 140, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 Phone: (480) 483-6336 Fax: (480) 483-6337

2014 Legal Awards | 53

M&A Advisors of the Year - Austria

WEBER & CO. Attorneys-at-law WEBER & CO. is a leading Austrian law firm, with a simple maxim: consistent leadership in quality. Christoph Moser, Partner, tells us more about the firm and its continuing success in the corporate field.

WEBER & CO. is “very proud” of the firm’s success in the 2014 Legal Awards, says Christoph Moser, Partner. “The award, M&A Advisors of the Year - Austria, perfectly reflects our law firm’s ambitions in the past year, where we tried to strengthen our M&A business in addition to our strong corporate finance practice. It is an honour for us to see that our activities have been recognised in the legal market. Further, the title also reflects the clients’ trust in our legal services for M&A transactions.”

WEBER & CO. is a renowned Austrian law firm. Its core practice areas are corporate finance, banking, dispute resolution (litigation and arbitration), corporate/M&A and real estate.

“Our business very much focuses on our core practice areas corporate finance, banking, dispute resolution (litigation and arbitration), corporate/M&A as well as real estate,” says Moser.

“Clients of the firm appreciate the dedication and know-how of our partners in our core areas of practice. In particular in capital markets/corporate finance, we see ourselves as a Tier I firm in Austria, which is involved on most of the relevant high profile deals in this market sector. Further, our M&A business has significantly improved over the last couple of years and is now an additional important driver for the success of our firm.”

“We regularly advise banks and issuers on capital market issues (equity and debt), structured finances, mergers and acquisitions as well as parties in legal proceedings,” he continues. “Over the past years and in light of the economic situation in Europe, legal specialisation has become an even more important asset. Clients seek for lawyers with in-depth knowledge in the respective areas and require immediate attention and advice. As a law firm with a strong focus on our core practice areas and with partners being renowned experts in their fields of specialisation, we are able to provide our clients highest standards of legal services and proficiency with immediate response times.”

Statue at Hofburg

Moser believes the most significant developments in the Austrian legal market over the past 12 months have been a renaissance of large equity capital market transactions, in particular rights issues.

“Furthermore, we have seen a number of debt capital market transactions in 2012 and 2013, the pace of which has slowed down a little bit in 2014. In connection with corporate finance, developments in the European legal framework have particularly driven our legal advice on fund marketing in Austria, as the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive was implemented in Austria.

The implementation has forced several market participants to apply for registrations or licenses in Austria. Challenges for our business primarily relate to our maxim of consistent leadership in quality and know-how. Even in light of numerous new European law acts and their implementations in Austria, we constantly aim to be aware of new frameworks relevant for our core clients and to inform them about new developments affecting their industry or business.”

In the past 12-24 months, Austrian M&A business has seen high volume transactions, including in particular the acquisition of a controlling stake in Telekom Austria by America Movil, Moser says. “Recently, public M&A of stock exchange listed companies has also been a major trend in the Austrian market, after a quiet time. Noticeable decreases in stock quotes of Austrian listed companies have supported this recent trend. Accordingly, if buyers continue pursuing their targets at such pace, we believe to see several further takeover transactions in Austria in 2015.”

“Furthermore, mergers and acquisitions in the banking sector have been and are expected to continue to play a leading role in the Austrian M&A market in the upcoming twelve months. In addition, we expect that non-public mid-size M&A transactions in certain industries will continue to be a factor, especially driven by strategic investors searching for valuable targets.”

Asked whether working in Austria presents any specific challenges or opportunities that may not necessarily apply to firms in other parts of the world, Moser says Austrian legal trends very much depend on European legal frameworks. “Accordingly, developments on a European level have an enormous impact on Austrian law and trends. Austria itself still is seen as a hub to the CEE region, especially for companies from Western Europe or the US. We work closely with several large international law firms that advise clients with a focus on Austria as such CEE hub,” he explains.

Fact File

“The award, M&A Advisors of the Year - Austria, perfectly reflects our law firm’s ambitions in the past year, where we tried to strengthen our M&A business in addition to our strong corporate finance practice. It is an honour for us to see that our activities have been recognised in the legal market.

Further, the title also reflects the clients’ trust in our legal services for M&A transactions.”

Company: WEBER & CO. Email: vienna@weber.co.at Web: www.weber.co.at Address: Weber Rechtsanwälte GmbH (WEBER & CO.) Rathausplatz 4, 1010 Vienna, Austria Phone: + 43 1 427 2000

The most rewarding aspect of working in the legal profession, in Moser’s opinion, is positive client feedback. “As a lawyer, you will easily get negative feedback from clients if things are not going well. To earn positive feedback from clients, especially if it is provided not only to us but also communicated in the market and towards legal guides, is a great motivation for all of our team members to continue providing valuable legal services.”

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54 | 2014 Legal Awards

2014 Legal Awards - Corporate Profiles

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2014 Legal Awards | 55

Company Law Firm of the Year - Spain

At Across Legal we are dedicated to our profession. Working in highly motivated teams, we deal with a constantly changing legal world. It is not just our work; it is our calling.

Across Legal employs professionals with proven experience in providing legal advice to companies in all areas of law affecting them (commercial, civil, industrial and intellectual property, litigation, insolvency, etc).

Across Legal Name: Ignacio Lacasa Email: ilacasa@acrosslegal.com Web: www.acrosslegal.com Address: Rambla de Catalunya, 86, 1º 1ª, 08008 Barcelona Phone: 932 724 837 Fax: 933 968 917

Our clients are the focus of our activity. Our intention is to stand with our clients as they face day to day challenges, especially in times of difficulty. We strive to maintain at all times a positive attitude and to provide our clients with assistance in decision making, conflict resolution and business development.

The experience within our team allows us to provide as overview and an innovative approach to any situation with legal implications that could affect our clients. This means going beyond the mere understanding of the law and working tirelessly to understand our clients’ needs now and in the long-term, in order to help them to succeed in their business.

Across Legal is also committed to results and our clients’ growth. We value the entrepreneurial spirit and we support and advise many start-ups. Through our presence on various boards of directors, we are able to bring new solutions to companies, both new and well established, as well as family businesses. Our network of external partners is there to provide whatever is required by our clients to ensure they receive at all times a high quality service and the advice they need.

Data Room Provider of the Year

Norway-based Admincontrol is a leading provider of secure board portals and virtual data rooms offered as out-of-thebox, software as a service. Admincontrol facilitates secure collaboration and user friendly sharing of information in business critical processes, as well as access to sensitive documents. The company is headquartered in Norway with seven local European offices, serving clients globally. Admincontrol`s stronghold is Northern Europe, and the company is fast growing and expanding into new markets.

Admincontrol’s Virtual Data Rooms (VDR) are used to share sensitive documents and information where easy sharing, and full control over sensitive documents is key. The solution allows swift and secure information sharing in connection with transactions, stock exchange listings, the raising of capital and restructuring processes.

Areas of use Virtual Data Rooms is an essential tool when sharing information to external parties during: • Mergers & Acquisitions • IPO & Fund Raising • Private Equity transactions • Real Estate transactions • Procurement User-friendly Admincontrol VDR is user-friendly and intuitive. The solution provides a good overview of extensive structures. No installation is required. It is simple to upload and organise documents via drag-and-drop, and the relevant stakeholders are quickly granted access to the service. Admincontrol VDR has a number of advantages:

• User-friendly and clear folder structure • Clear and advanced Q&A module • Good control of different users’ rights and access • Reports and a log of all activity • Free text search for names and content • Possible to transfer the information to a board and management portal after the VDR project has been completed Service and Support (24/7/365) Admincontrol helps you to get started quickly and efficiently.

The data room is established within a few hours, and support is easily accessible throughout the process.

Security The VDR administrators manage the various users’ access: rights to read, print or download documents. Documents are encrypted and watermarked, and the data room is secured using two-factor authentication. All data is stored in a high secure environment on dedicated servers in Norway.

Admincontrol offers you full confidentiality and information security. We have a duty of confidentiality from your first query.

Admincontrol Email: info@admincontrol.com Web: www.admincontrol.com Address: Fridtjof Nansens Plass 2, 0160 Oslo, Norway Phone: +47 2283 6100

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56 | 2014 Legal Awards

Alternative Dispute Resolution Lawyer of the Year - Romania

ADR LEGAL CRISTINA ELENA CANDEA

ADR Legal, coordinated by Cristina Candea, is based in Bucharest, Romania. Since 1999, Cristina has continuously developed its activity in arbitration, commercial litigation, civil rights and insolvency.

in general, with broad experience in matters relating to ownership, acquisition, development, construction and the operation of real estate projects whether residential, industrial or commercial.

The firm’s team represents both large local and multinational corporations and small to medium companies in complex commercial litigation issues of almost every nature, before all forums of all levels whether it be the regular courts or the arbitration courts.

The team’s brief includes the preparation of construction agreements, land registration, combination deals, negotiations for change of ownership, real estate secured lending, land use and other regulatory issues, sale and purchase of yielding properties both in Romania and abroad.

The team works closely with clients to understand their businesses as well as the legal issues which may arise in related transactions, enabling them to develop efficient and creative solutions.

The firm’s areas of practice include legal assistance and representation in commercial and corporate disputes, debt recovery procedures, in both pre-litigation and enforcement phases, civil claims, administrative and tax disputes, reorganization and bankruptcy proceedings with a focus to provide practical solutions to all clients when a conflict arises in their day to day activities. The company’s lawyers have an in-depth working knowledge of various arbitration procedural rules, and have dealt with complex substantive law issues in specific litigation circumstances.

ADR Legal’s insolvency, bankruptcy, restructuring practice area covers all aspects of liquidations and insolvency, including, inter alia, voluntary and involuntary liquidations, advising secured and unsecured creditors on their rights in insolvency, advising shareholders on the voluntary winding up of companies, trustees and other parties involved in financial restructuring transactions, insolvency-related litigation matters, judicial management, offers of compromise, and schemes of arrangement.

The firm’s team includes both liquidators and litigation lawyers with strong technical insolvency knowledge and broad experience of advising and acting on complex cases. The department’s managers have been and are regularly appointed on behalf of reputable banks, bondholders and companies, acting as receivers, liquidators and trustees in various cases.

ADR Legal’s real estate attorneys are involved in the legal handling of all aspects of real estate development in Romania and Eastern Europe

Best in White Collar Crime Law - Belgium

Created in 1994 by Thierry Afschrift, the Afschrift Law Firm brings together lawyers with extensive knowledge in every field of tax law in the widest sense of the term The Afschrift Law Firm is more than just an association of tax lawyers.

All our members share the same vision of our profession and support the same commitment to advise and defend taxpayers, be they individuals or businesses, both in Belgium and abroad.

Created in 1994 by Thierry Afschrift, this law firm brings together lawyers with extensive knowledge in every field of tax law in the widest sense of the term.

All our lawyers share the same values values. They fully understand the importance of adopting a global vision in every situation, in response to queries from our clients on the management of their professional businesses or their private assets. They also know that the success of their interventions depends upon speed, efficiency and confidentiality.

Aware of the increasing internationalisation of our clients’ private and professional activities and of the complex nature of their taxation matters, we have opened offices at Antwerp, Madrid, Geneva, Luxembourg, Tel Aviv and Hong Kong. Clients who would like face-to-face meetings with our lawyers, may make appointments in any of these offices.

Person to person relationship Your lawyer is your closest partner The relationship between a lawyer and his client is person to person and lasts for life. It relies upon mutual trust which grows deeper with time. In order to allow you to weave this essential link, your lawyer has the necessary specialised knowledge to help you in all your taxation case files. The transfer of a special file from one lawyer to another within the law firm is therefore regarded as an exception rather than the rule, and would only happen if we believed that our colleague would have the right skilled knowledge to guide your case to a successful conclusion.

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Commercial intelligence is the highest and most comprehensive form of legal, ethical open source intelligence, as practiced by diverse international and localized businesses. Competitive intelligence focuses primarily on competitors and their capabilities within shared market spaces.

The firm is able to provide actionable information beyond that which is available from public sources, industry publications and data services.

Competition in today’s market for people, capital, technology and information is largely commoditized, with little differentiation.

The company’s lawyers uncover the facts that drive business, litigation and public relations strategies. In Romania and abroad, ADR Legal works closely with corporate and outside counsel to develop information critical to protecting and advancing its clients’ interests and reputations.

The scope of the firm’s investigative practice ranges from conducting basic-level corporate due diligence to investigating complex cases of corporate fraud and attacks by competitors or adversary groups.

ADR Legal Name: Cristina Elena Candea Email: office@legalrecovery.ro Web: www.adrlegal.ro Address: Voluntari, Titu Maiorescu street no34E, vila 7, Ilfov District, Romania Phone: +40 021 319 51 31

Our team of versatile lawyers Your lawyer is there to help you in any and every case where recourse is needed to a tax expert. All our lawyers are versatile and have mastered all the small print of taxation matters, either when providing advice or when defending your interests before the tax authorities.

Relevant and tailor-made advice Counsels plead your case To be really useful, a fiscal counsel should not only base his actions on a thorough knowledge of the law and jurisprudence. He should also have a deep-seated belief that, if necessary, he could defend any chosen solution in court and win the case. That is why most of our lawyers are also seasoned barristers : the expertise that they have accumulated in their court sessions allows them to make realistic and impartial evaluations of the solutions that they envisage for their clients.

Advice tailor-made to YOUR situation Every taxpayer is different. For companies and individuals alike, there will be assets and holdings, all with their own personal significance, and the same goes for the nature and range of their businesses and their national or international nature. Everybody has his own idea of legal, economic and taxation matters, his own level of risk aversion, willingness to go right to the end of every possible avenue of possible action, the time and the resources available to become personally involved in the putting in place of a solution.

Afschrift Law Firm Web: www.afschrift.com Brussels Avenue Louise, 208, 1050, Brussels, Belgium Phone: +32 2 646 46 36 Antwerp Frankrijklei 33, 2018, Antwerp, Belgium Phone: +32 3 612 01 06

2014 Legal Awards | 57

Business & Litigation Law Firm of the Year - Saudi Arabia

in association with

Al Soaib Law Firm is one of the most experienced business and litigation law firms in Saudi Arabia Al Soaib Law Firm’s expertise and reputation stems from a long and a successful track record of nearly two decades. Al Soaib has significant experience assisting investors around the world to select their appropriate corporate vehicle in the Saudi market along with setting-up their body corporate and the ensuing consultancies that accompany such underlying process. Since 1995, Al Soaib Law Firm has been successful in setting-up many legal entities for prestigious international companies wishing to invest in Saudi Arabia.

The law firm of Mohamed Al-Soaib and partners was established in 1995 in the city of Riyadh – the capital of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – by its founder and managing director lawyer Mohammed Bin Hamad Al-Soaib. The latter’s initiative to establish the law firm was premised on his belief in the importance of the legal practice profession and the nobility of its goals and its profound responsibility towards the community with all its natural and moral constituents.

The law firm establishment came against the backdrop of a long successful work journey Mr. Al-Soaib has spent working at one of the biggest contracting companies in Riyadh owned by his father Sheik Hamad Bin Abdul-Rahman Al-Soaib. The tenure he spent being a manager at his father’s company offered him a vast experience in the business world and gave him a profound knowledge of the sources of investment.

Moreover he had an impressive outlook on the impediments that face investor in KSA and the strength points from which business growth should start.

Innovation Award for Apartment Law

Apartment Law & Sonia McEntee Solicitors Dublin provide a range of legal, management and general services specifically tailored for apartment owners, investors & landlords, management companies and apartment tenants in Ireland There are now well over half a million people in Ireland living in apartments. Chances are you are one of them. If so, you’ll know that owning an apartment comes with plenty of strings attached.

Problems with developers, the running of management companies, sinking funds, service charges and difficulties with neighbours are some of the practical issues that can make owning an apartment a stressful experience.

This journey was crowned by the membership he earned in the Saudi American Business Council, a step that came to assert his impressive diversified experience he managed to accumulate throughout the years; an experience featuring both legal and business outlooks. This unique experience is seldom found at any peer firm in KSA and this was the milestone from which the law firm was launched towards excellence.

At the onset, we functioned in line with a vision which aims to establish a legal entity that elevates performance rates and takes them to the international level in accordance with the highest quality service. Our law firm’s good standing in the legal domain is due to its dedication, agility and synergy in offering extraordinary legal services and a client-tailored legal advice to our clients. Accordingly, we earned our position as one of the leading law firms, not only in Saudi Arabia but also throughout the region.

With this passion to develop and to learn along with our aspiration to excel in line with this vision, we’ve been able – by the grace of God – to make various fruitful professional relationships and successful longstanding collaborations with our clients throughout the past two decades. Our persistence and commitment were key elements in building our prolific network of contacts with public and private sectors, regionally and internationally; an asset that we perfectly employed to cater to the best interests of our clients.

Soaib & Partners Law Firm in Association With Charles Russell Speechlys LLP Address: Alumam Com Center, 2nd Floor, South Twr, Malaz Ksa, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Phone: +966-1 14726362 Email: mail@soaiblaw.com Web: www.soaiblaw.com

circumstances, we will be happy to talk to you about your needs, the services we can provide to you, and at what cost.

Our services cover the following areas: consulting; conveyancing; litigation; mediation; tax; and financial and insurance.

Apartment Law Address: Harmony Court, Harmony Row, Dublin2 Dublin, Ireland Phone: 01 614 8074 Web: http://www.apartmentlaw.ie/ Email: info@apartmentlaw.ie

At Apartment Law, what we do is take some of the most common questions asked and answer them in plain English, breaking down the jargon. Whether you’re an owner, a landlord or a tenant, we’ll help you get to grips with your rights, as well as your obligations.

As an example, we can help with the smooth transition of common areas from developer to the Owners Management Company making sure that the policies, processes and procedures in place are for the benefit of all owners; and if there are problems, our knowledge and experience at Apartment Law will ensure these are resolved in a practical and cost-effective way.

In most cases, the specific services we provide depend on our client’s own circumstances and needs. So whatever your

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58 | 2014 Legal Awards

Best in IPR - Finland & Best in IT Law - Finland

Tammer-Juristit Ltd Attorneys at Law is a young, dynamic and fast growing law firm. The business was established in 1996 in Tampere and today operates nationwide with a special focus on the Tampere (Pirkanmaa) region.

Tammer-Juristit is also the first law firm in Finland to be granted ISO9001 certificate, which is a reference of good quality.

Linked by ExpertiseTM – Tammer-Juristit

The firm’s lawyers have acted as attorneys and lawyers in several law firms, as well as in other expert positions in a wide variety of businesses and the public sector. The company’s lawyers’ experience and expertise, as well as their enthusiastic and hands-on approach ensure the best possible service and outcomes for its clients.

Tammer-Juristit is a preferred partner of ipreye.com and we have a strong legal expertise in intellectual property rights and trademark issues.

Asianajotoimisto Tammer-Juristit Oy Name: Jussi Pirhonen Email: info@tammer-juristit.fi Web: www.tammer-juristit.fi Address: Aleksis Kiven katu 11 C 33100 Tampere, Finland Phone: +358 3 2110 666 Fax: +358 3 2110 668

Security at the firm is always a priority and is valued at a very high level and by all associated with the company, guaranteeing that all of the company’s clients can be safe in the knowledge that confidential matters are not, under any circumstances, available to any persons or organisations outside the office.

In addition to its core services, the firm has been developing the Lakipakki™ (Law ToolBox) concept for its customers.

Everybody associated with Tammer-Juristit understands the key and ever-expanding role of social media in society and the growing importance of customer service, and to this end has worked to develop a completely new standard to which it informs the public through a host of media channels.

Business Law Firm of the Year - Turkey

Basan Attorney Partnership was founded in 2003 with the aim of offering a wide range of legal services to national and foreign clients and providing legal consultancy to various well established firms, both nationally and internationally.

The firm boasts a team of dedicated and experienced lawyers who are all experts in their respective fields and who are all dedicated to the provision of outstanding client service.

As legal consultant to commercial and industrial companies, the firm deals with many different kinds of legal issues and provides legal aid, particularly in the area of contract management in connection with investment projects and the conducting of business.

The company is a full service law firm, and as well as handling legal disputes for its clients, the firm’s representatives keep them constantly informed and updated on any significant legal developments or amendments in legislation.

Also, the business provides its clients with a range of full intellectual property services. In addition, the company pursues collection of claims and receivables of its clients.

As well as its Turkish clients, the firm provides legal services to foreign companies and individuals with regards to legal disputes, actions and claims in Turkey.

Basan Attorney Partnership has a wide-ranging network of global clientele from different regions and cultures. The firm represents a large spectrum of commercially reputable domestic and international companies, including financial institutions, banks and individual entrepreneurs. The company’s primary goal is to offer the best service possible to its clients in their legal transactions, disputes and commercial relations

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by efficiently leveraging the knowledge and expertise of our legal team. Basan Attorney Partnership is centrally located in the capital city, Ankara, and with a detailed understanding of local law and international practice, the firm has the experience and the expertise needed to effectively assist clients doing business in Turkey today.

Basan Attorney Partnership Name: Resat Gokhan Basan Email: rgb@basan.av.tr Web: www.basan.av.tr Address: Arjantin Caddesi Halıcı Sokak 2/1 Çankaya 06700 Ankara, Turkey Phone: +90 312 426 6621 Fax: +90 312 426 6631

2014 Legal Awards | 59

Best in Energy Law - Czech Republic

BBH, advokátní kancelář, s. r. o. (BBH) is a prominent Czech law firm with an international presence.

Established in 2000, BBH acquired the business of a leading international law firm which had been operating in the Czech Republic since 1990. BBH is currently operating in Prague, Czech Republic, Moscow, Russian Federation and in Bratislava, Slovakia.

With its team of more than 45 Czech lawyers with various specializations and professional expertise, BBH provides its clients with bespoke and high quality legal services. Together with its international branches, BBH is comprised of more than 75 lawyers. Being truly regional firm, BBH´s services are rendered in the Czech, Slovak, Polish, English, Russian, German, French, and Spanish languages.

In the Czech Republic, BBH is one of the leading law firms providing legal and consulting services in the following areas.

- Banking & Finance, Insurance Business - Capital Markets - M&A, Corporate Law - Litigation, Arbitration and Other Proceedings - Real Estate - TMT - Competition Law - Insolvency and Restructuring - Energy Law

The BBH´s English law desk offers broad and in-depth expertise across a wide range of practice areas and is uniquely positioned to provide its clients with multi-faceted English law advice and services.

BBH was recently awarded the title of “2014 Czech Law Firm of the Year” in the latest rankings sponsored by the Czech Ministry of Justice and Czech Bar Association. Moreover, BBH is annually listed in a leading position in the international legal publications such as Chambers Global, Chambers Europe, IFLR 1000, Legal 500, etc.

BBH is among the few law firms in the Czech Republic that can provide broad complex legal services for clients doing business in the energy sector, including M&A of power plants, structuring and setup of energy holdings and investment structures, litigation and arbitration, etc. BBH is a long-standing legal advisor in numerous wide –ranging projects for the ČEZ Group – one of the largest electricity power concerns in CEE and the largest in the Czech Republic. BBH also provides complex legal services to EPH, the second largest energy holding in the Czech Republic.

BBH, advokátní kancelář, s.r.o.

Email: legal@bbh.cz Web: www.bbh.eu Address: Klimentská 1207/10, 110 00 Prague 1, Czech Republic Phone: +420 234 091 355

In 2014 BBH opened a dedicated legal advisory group comprised of a team of senior English qualified lawyers.

Overall Law Firm of the Year - Denmark

Bech-Bruun is a full service law firm advising Danish and international clients on all aspects of corporate and commercial law, including mergers & acquisitions, energy and financing.

Bech-Bruun is one of Denmark’s leading law firms with approximately 515 specialised and experienced employees.

We have offices in Copenhagen, Aarhus and Shanghai and our clients include Danish and international enterprises, organisations and public authorities.

We put great efforts into understanding our clients’ businesses and markets and therefore have a strong sector focus. In addition to our practice groups covering our legal areas of expertise, we have particular focus on 10 sectors, including energy and energy supply, life sciences and medico as well as agriculture and food.

Bech-Bruun is one of the most specialised law firms advising companies in the energy sector within all areas of energy and climate law, including energy transactions, wind energy, oil and gas, and renewable energy such as waste-to-energy. The energy group has in the past years been involved in some of the most notable transactions involving energy companies in Denmark, including Energinet.dk’s acquisition of 10 transmission companies worth DKK 5.7bn in 2012, E.ON Vind Sverige AB’s sale of 80% of the shares in the entity owning and operating the Danish offshore windfarm, Rødsand 2 at a transaction value of approx. DKK 2.8bn in 2013, and Energinet.dk’s acquisition, yet to be approved by the Danish authorities, of DONG Storage A/S, which owns and operates

Stenlille natural gas storage, at a transaction value of approx.

DKK 2.25bn in 2014.

Our ambition is to make complex legal issues simple to understand for our clients. We know that the end result is much more important than the details that got us there. To reach the best results, we provide cross-disciplinary advice tailored to the situation and needs of our clients’ businesses.

Bech-Bruun employs lawyers from many different countries; our employees master 19 languages and have a unique, global network of leading law firms, organisations and institutions capable of rendering expert cross-border legal services. We are a member of leading international networks of independent law firms consisting of leading law firms in more than 100 countries and facilitating the easy referral and cooperation on international matters.

Bech-Bruun Phone: +45 72270000 Email: info@bechbruun.com Web: www.bechbruun.com Address: Copenhagen office: Langelinie Allé 35 2100 Copenhagen Denmark

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60 | 2014 Legal Awards

Best in Patents & Trademarks - Brazil

Carvalho, Fairbairn & Guidi Law Office is an intellectual property firm and lawyers in Brazil, operating both in advisory and in legal disputes Founded in 2010, since the union of three well experienced lawyers, Carvalho, Fairbairn & Guidi Law Office offers you legal advice and attorneyship with excellence and quality.

Carvalho, Fairbairn & Guidi Law Office Email: contato@cfgadvogados.com.br Web: www.cfgadvogados.com.br Address: Rua Araújo Porto Alegre, nº 70 grupo 906/908 Centro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Phone: +55 (21) 3281-4258

The main goal of our Law office is to act in a full service way, attending to all client’s organizational needs, preserving in its essence legal services to the natural person, as it is part of our philosophy that the way to reach social justice for real is a fast intervention by the lawyer, in favour of those who most need him.

In order to honour the traditional Advocacy together with all the efficiency and acuteness that current technology has to offer the growing legal dynamism, this law office has specialised itself in corporative areas that affect the everyday life of companies of all sizes, such as Real Estate Law, Tributary Law, Labor Law, Intellectual Property Law, Competition Law, Copyright and Litigious.

Carvalho, Fairbairn & Guidi Law Office works in different legal areas and in a full service way, in order to contemplate all legal developments which are a result of the operations, and also, to find creative solutions for our business’ clients.

Out areas of expertise include intellectual Property in Brazil, Real Estate in Brazil, Debit Collections in Brazil, Trademarks in Brazil, Copyright in Brazil and Patents in Brazil.

Private Equity Law Firm of the Year - Switzerland

CMS Switzerland, which has 80 lawyers in Geneva and Zurich, provides complete legal and tax services/solutions to its clients CMS Switzerland is a member of CMS, which provides clients with specialist, business- focused advice in law and tax matters. Our 3,000 legal professionals across the world, working in sector-based teams and trained in project management, are focused on our clients and fulfilling their objectives. CMS lawyers operate in 58 offices worldwide, offering real-world advice to clients operating in a challenging business climate and a fast-changing regulatory environment.

CMS has a long-standing and close relationship with the private equity industry across Europe, meaning that we are well positioned to provide advice on a broad range of transactions. We have built a solid reputation for advising on a high volume of deals in recent years, particularly in the high-end transactions and the mid-cap market.

CMS_LawTax_CMYK_from101.eps

An Interdisciplinary, Cross-Border Approach The CMS Private Equity Practice Group solves interdisciplinary or cross-border problems via teams of lawyers from the countries involved who have the legal expertise needed for the transaction concerned. In this way, we can offer you a comprehensive service with teams of experienced people during every phase of a transaction – from acquisition and financing through to reorganisation, refinancing and finally the exit.

Our legal services include: • Letter of intent and legal due diligence • Confidentiality agreement • Investment and shareholders agreement

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• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Corporate restructuring Acquisition financing High yield offering Employee stock options and Management Incentive Schemes Portfolio management Exit strategies Management buy-outs and buy-ins, secondary buyouts and “take privates” Initial public offerings Dual track procedures Senior and mezzanine debt financing Legal aspects of structuring and marketing venture capital funds (both offshore and onshore) Use of limited partnerships Effective tax structuring enabling efficient exit

CMS Switzerland Contact name: Oliver Blum Address: CMS von Erlach Poncet Ltd. Dreikönigstrasse 7 P.O. Box 2991 8022 Zurich, Switzerland Phone: +41 44 285 11 11 Email: oliver.blum@cms-vep.com Web: www.cms-vep.com

2014 Legal Awards | 61

Best for M&A Advisory - Alabama

Cunningham Firm LLC

Russell M. Cunningham practices in the in the areas of general business and corporate law, business planning, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, real estate finance, and federal, state and local taxation. He represents clients in a wide variety of industries including real estate (development, investment, management and leasing), manufacturing, retail, hotel, restaurant, residential and commercial construction, technology, professional practice groups and financial institutions. Prior to establishing the Cunningham Firm, LLC, he worked with Bradley Arant Rose & White LLP in its Birmingham, Alabama, office from 1999 until 2005.

He has co-authored book chapters on the state taxation of business entities and written articles on tax and business planning issues for periodicals such as State Tax Notes, The Limited Liability Reporter and Alabama Technology Today.

He frequently speaks to business and professional groups on business law, business planning, real estate and taxation issues. He has also served as an entrepreneur mentor in the Alabama Launchpad Business Plan Competition.

He attended Vanderbilt University from 1989 until 1991, and graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management in 1993. He is a 1998 honors graduate of The University of Alabama School of Law, where he was student editor of “The American Journal of Tax Policy.”

He additionally holds an LL.M. in Taxation from New York University School of Law. Cunningham Law Firm Address: The Landmark Center, Suite 600, 2100 First Avenue North Birmingham, Alabama 35203 USA Email: russell@cunninghamfirmllc.com Phone: +1 205 279 2746 Web: www.cunninghamfirmllc.com

Russell is an active member of the American Bar Association (Business Law Section, Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section, and Tax Section), Alabama State Bar (Business Law Section, Real Property, Probate and Trust Section, and Tax Section), and the Birmingham Bar Association (Business Law Section). He is currently serving as an officer of the Business Law Section of the Birmingham Bar Association, and has been selected as an Alabama Super Lawyer. Russell has also achieved an AV Preeminent peer review rating by Martindale-Hubbell in the practice areas of business law, partnership law, corporate law, real estate and tax law.

Recognised Barrister of 2014 - Canada

David Butt

David Butt is a trial and appellate lawyer with a wide ranging practice

dian charity working closely with law enforcement to rescue children whose images of abuse circulate online.

David Butt graduated from Queen’s Law School at the top of his class and earned his LL.M. at Harvard Law School, which he attended as Canada’s 1988 Viscount Bennett Scholar.

He has clerked for both the Court of Appeal for Ontario and the Supreme Court of Canada, the first Canadian to have completed such a double clerkship. He was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1989. He has been lead counsel more than two dozen times in the Supreme Court of Canada, and hundreds of times in the Court of Appeal for Ontario, dealing with a broad range of issues involving criminal law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. He has both prosecuted and defended many lengthy and complex trials.

He has served as counsel to three independent judicial inquiries or reviews. He has extensive experience representing police officers in a wide variety of criminal and disciplinary investigations and hearings. He also acts regularly for victims of crime or misconduct, and through this work engages deeply in privacy law.

David’s opinion pieces on criminal justice issues appear regularly in the Globe and Mail.

David Butt Address: 606-130 Spadina Ave. Toronto, Ontario M5V 2L4 Canada Phone: +1 416-361-9609 Email: dbutt@barristersatlaw.ca

A former Harvard teaching fellow, Mr Butt has designed and delivered many different professional education programs for lawyers and other professionals from Vancouver to St John’s. He is a frequent speaker on a variety of legal topics and a regular commentator on national and local media. He has consulted world-wide on internet child exploitation. He is a past Board member of ECPAT, the world’s largest NGO devoted exclusively to fighting the commercial exploitation of children. He currently serves as counsel to KINSA, a Cana-

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62 | 2014 Legal Awards

Criminal Law Firm of the Year - Spain

We are a specialist criminal law firm committed to providing our clients with highly sophisticated criminal law advice. Our specialist legal advisory services cover the traditional pre-litigation and litigation side of criminal law cases, in which we can act on your behalf either as defence or prosecution lawyers, and also the more novel “preventive” side (corporate defence and corporate compliance) of such cases, which has emerged since the introduction, among other legislation, of the current version of the Spanish Criminal Code, in force since 24 December 2010.

Such specialist legal services focus on the specific area of “white-collar crime”, namely, offences against financial and socio-economic interests, fraud, criminal insolvency, misappropriation, misrepresentation and falsification of documents, corporate offences, offences against the tax and social security authorities, and offences against workers’ rights, against the environment, against intellectual and industrial property or against the State Administration (such as bribery, acts of perversion of justice and embezzlement of public funds), among others.

After practising as a lawyer for fifteen years at two of the leading national and international firms (J & A Garrigues and Baker & McKenzie), and securing her position as a Band 2 lawyer of the prestigious directory Chambers Europe, our managing partner decided to set up the firm as a personal undertaking, in pursuit of a new and exciting challenge, but continuing with her clear commitment to practising law in a “clear, direct and concise manner”.

Most Recommended Australian Law Firm for Private Services

Thus, the firm primarily seeks to assist the traditional corporate client (individuals and corporates, both national and international), but also provides support to law firms that may require the assistance of De Pedraza Abogados because their own lawyers are unable to provide the specialist advice on financial criminal law offered by De Pedraza Abogados, because they prefer the case to be managed by an expert due to the difficulty or sensitivity of the matter, or because a conflict of interest exists.

Our vision is to be the reference firm for highly sophisticated advice on financial criminal law and to achieve recognition as such.

Our mission is to offer the best comprehensive advisory service on criminal law, both from a compliance and litigation perspective, grounded on robust and impeccable training and on an exhaustive knowledge of the client and their needs and of national and international legal frameworks and any developments therein, thus enabling us to keep one step ahead of any future events.

Another key aim of the firm was to properly assist those non Spanish individuals and corporates who in one way or

De Pedraza Abogados Address: c/ Antonio Maura Nº20 1º Dcha 28014 Madrid, Spain Phone: +34 91 532 39 43 Email: info@depedrazaabogados.com Web: www.depedraza.com

Doconade Legal & Migration is a firm of lawyers and migration agents in Adelaide, specialising in the areas of migration and business, dealing with businesses and individuals who want to come to Australia and bring their expertise

to come to Australia or extend your stay in Australia. For you, there are likely a lot of fears and anxieties regarding your visa situation so let our migration agents in Adelaide & Mawson Lakes take care of your situation.

We are lawyers and migration agents in Adelaide who believe in making a difference in the lives of others.

We make the process for you migrating to Australia to secure an Australian visa as simple as possible.

We’re optimistic, hopeful and believe that there is no case too hard to take on and we believe we can make a difference for you every time.

Immigration laws in Australia are constantly changing so our dedicated migration agents maintain memberships with various other bodies including the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) to ensure that we receive daily updates on new immigration laws and policies as they are announced.

Our Legal Work At Doconade Legal, our lawyers in Adelaide are trained and equipped to resolve your legal disputes. For all matters that come before us, our lawyers will explore non-confrontational avenues to resolve your dispute with a primary objective of avoiding expensive litigation in the courtroom. However where litigation is unavoidable and inevitable, our lawyers in Adelaide and Mawson Lakes will always work with you to save on costs without ever compromising on the quality of service we provide. We work with a dedicated team of barristers who will provide assistance and guidance as is necessary for your matter.

Currently, we provide advice and representation in the following areas: Criminal Law (all offences in all Courts); Corporate & Commercial Law (setting up structures, trusts, companies, leases etc.); Business Law (Advice & Planning); Wills & Estates Planning; Family Law; Personal Injury; Motor Vehicle Accidents; Property Law (Sale Contracts and Conveyancing); Business Consulting; Contracts & Agreements; and Tenders for contracts.

Our Visa Work At Doconade, we understand that migrating to Australia to secure an Australian visa is a stressful time. You need a visa

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another (corporate compliance/defence) require a criminal law expert with whom they may communicate in a common language, normally English.

All our migration agents in Adelaide & Mawson Lakes are registered with an accountable body known as the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) and we must adhere to a strict code of conduct. For a copy of the code of conduct that all our migration agents must abide by please click here.

In short, all our migration agents in Adelaide & Mawson Lakes are ready to help you with migrating to Australia and to secure an Australian visa that is most appropriate for you.

Our visa work includes: Business & Investment Visas; General Skilled Migration Visas; Employer Sponsored Visas; Partner Visas; Child Visas; Parent Visas; Other Family Visas; Student Visas; Refugee Visas; Working Holiday & Tourist Visas; Temporary or Permanent Residency; and Review Applications with courts or tribunals.

Doconade Legal & Migration Email: joel.fernando@doconade.com.au Web: www.doconade.com.au Address: 299 Churchill Road Prospect SA 5082 Australia Phone: +61 08 7226 1385

2014 Legal Awards | 63

M&A Law Firm of the Year - Macau

DSL Lawyers is a law firm established in Macau that provides qualified and extensive legal services in a wide range of areas to local and international corporations with interests throughout Macau.

DSL has a team of experienced professionals with long time knowledge of the region, international qualifications, language capabilities and industry knowledge.

Most of DSL’s clients are international corporations based in Hong Kong, Mainland China, USA, UK, Australia, Brazil, Japan and Korea. DSL Lawyers’ major practice areas are Corporate Law, IP & IT Law, Property, Banking & Finance and Litigation.

DSL has a highly qualified team of attorneys, trainee lawyers and executive staff with a wide range of experience in the region, international qualifications, language capabilities and industry knowledge.

Growing every year, in 2012 DSL Lawyers was admitted to the World Services Group (WSG), a network of the top providers of professional business services, as the exclusive legal member for Macau. Being a leading local firm, having the highest professional reputation and an unparalleled depth of practical experience are the standards to be part of this prestigious group.

Our Corporate / M&A Practice DSL’s corporate practice provides comprehensive services in all matters of corporate law, having been involved in major M&A, corporate restructuring operations and corporate finance transactions. We have been engaged in the listing, public offerings and fund raising by Macau and foreign listed companies with Macau ramifications.

Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year - Mexico

Intellectual property firm Dumont Bergman Bider & Co., S.C. was established in 1940 in Mexico City, and now has more than 70 members specialised in consulting and assistance and providing legal and technical services in intellectual property including the development of comprehensive strategies to ensure the protection, defence and conservation of all the rights that cover this subject in Mexico and in foreign countries Dumont Bergman Bider & Co., S.C. is a Mexican Intellectual property firm. We provide high quality service to our customers around the world in a clear and precise way, about the form, application and interpretation of the laws and regulations in force. The practice includes all aspects of intellectual property such as obtaining, registering and protecting inventions (patents, utility models and industrial designs), distinctive signs (marks, trade names, brand slogans and appellations of origin), copyrights (owner and author’s rights, related rights), information technologies (domain names and internet assets) and data protection issues. It also has an extensive expertise in litigation, anti-counterfeiting and related commercial law (corporate, licensing, immigration, regulatory and tax) and our capabilities provide a full array of IP related legal services.

Founded 73 years ago, Dumont Bergman Bider (DBB) has remained contemporary and responsive to ever-changing client needs. DBB is ranked at Chambers Latin America and Chambers Global as well as Laura Collada and Jorge Gomez as leading lawyers (as well in other specialised publications). DBB and Laura Collada have been recognised two years in a row as Best Firm in Mexico and Best IP Lawyer in Latin America by Euromoney’s Americas Women in Business Law Awards.

Moreover, DBB is the only IP firm in Mexico that has received the ISO 9001:2008 certification by the German Organization TUV Rheinland®.

The certification indicates that the firm meets high quality standards for its management systems including for counseling, filing, prosecution and consulting services, litigation and managing of intellectual and industrial property rights (including filing, prosecution, etc). It means that the quality of the firm’s legal work is consistent, constant and reliable in each and every case.

DBB’s practice extends to highly specialiszed areas such as Litigation, Copyright, Information Technologies, Corporate Law, and Anti-Counter-

Our lawyers are familiar with the licensing, regulatory and compliance issues concerning the businesses of Macau companies and assist throughout the procedures to obtain authorizations and/or licenses, prepare compliance procedures, and advise on various related matters such as anti-money laundering and privacy and data protection Services Provided • Mergers & Acquisitions • Corporate finance • Cross-border transactions and international investments • Commercial contracts drafting and advising • Joint ventures and shareholders agreements • Advising on corporate structures available in Macau • Corporate reorganization and restructuring • Shareholders’ rights; • Directors’ duties and responsibilities • Regulatory framework and assistance to business as to obtain authorizations, licenses or other permits when required in their industries • Incorporation of companies and update of any corporate records • Domiciliation services DSL Lawyers - Corporate / M&A David Silva Lopes Phone: + 853 8590 0709 Email: dslopes@dsl-lawyers.com Address: Av. da Praia Grande 409, China Law Building 16/F, Macau Website: www.dsl-lawyers.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/dsl-lawyers

feiting, through a team of expert lawyers, consultants and litigators in the different disciplines covered by our field.

Consistent with the firm’s commitment to modern technologies that enable the firm to offer the highest quality and most complete intellectual property service, DBB has implemented PATRIX® HELPWARE System, a state of the art docketing system. The firm also has digitalized its archives and is fully able to service clients that wish a paperless environment. The main contacts of the firm, as well as other colleagues, receive training in different areas, not only on the legal or technical areas, but in order to achieve client satisfaction. The firm also has a PR department that is in constant communication with the clients.

It is one of the very few firms in Mexico that performs in-depth examination of patent applications. This service allows to deliver the best possible advise while prosecuting the applications and avoiding the issuance of official actions since we foresee which amendments will be required by the National Office. Also the firm is highly specialised in providing patent linkage services.

In the trademark field we plan strategies tailored to the client’s needs attending not only to legal issues but commercial aspects that sometimes is a must for them.

In both areas we are highly successful in litigation and also in getting agreements or settlements. Many of our clients do not want to wear out in long litigations, so because of our client profile, we are highly specialised in negotiations.

We are committed to maintain a leadership position in legal trends, technology and business as well as offering personalised, proactive and preventive legal strategies, corporate tax and added value services that we provide in order to achieve and exceed the expectations desired by our customers.

Dumont Bergman Bider & Co., S.C. Web: http://www.dumont.mx/en/ Address: Av. Insurgentes Sur 1898, piso 21, Col. Florida, C.P. 01030, México, D.F. Phone: (+52) (55) 5322-6230 Fax: (+52) (55) 5661-3056

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64 | 2014 Legal Awards

Commitment to Competition Law - UK

Eversheds LLP is one of the world’s largest corporate law firms. Committed locally, but connected globally, with over 50 offices based in the world’s major economic centres, with a proven track record of delivering consistently high quality legal services across jurisdictions.

The firm has developed organically over the past decade working for corporate organisations of all shapes and sizes in countries where they want to do business. Lawyers in all locations share the same values, ways of working and understanding of what clients really want. The past year has seen further international expansion for the firm. In the Middle East, the firm has become the first international player to establish offices in Iraq and is now one of the largest international players on the ground, with local lawyers based in Abu Dhabi, Amman, Doha, Dubai and Riyadh.

As a modern, progressive law firm, Eversheds sets itself apart through its people, culture and its attitude to change.

Quality is a matter of personal pride to everyone and staff of the highest calibre are recruited and retained by the firm.

Collaborative working and innovative thinking is encouraged and supported at all levels, meaning that clients enjoy an offering that is constantly evolving and improving to meet their changing needs. This has led to pioneering approaches to the law such as genuine project management and measurement of results that leads to cost predictability and control. In particular, the firm is noted for effectively delivering complex, multi-national legal services through one point of contact.

operates in, is a given. Collaboration is seen as a way of providing the most effective advice. Trust and accountability are the bedrock of all the firm’s client relationships.

Eversheds has a leading international merger control practice. We offer clients a one stop shop using our competition experts around the world. Our project management techniques and cross-border expertise give clients control over cost and smooth processes to clear merger control hurdles with a minimum of fuss.

Eversheds LLP Name: Stephen Rose Email: stephenrose@eversheds.com Web: www.eversheds.com Address: 1 Wood Street, London, EC2V 7WS, United Kingdom Phone: +44 207 919 4785 Fax: +44 20 7919 4919

Relationships with clients are deep and genuine. An understanding of the sector and business culture which each client

Most Trusted Dispute Resolution Barrister of the Year - UK

Gareth Jones

London barrister Gareth Jones’ practice is principally in the fields of wills, trusts, probate, inheritance, land, and banking.

He practises in London and Cardiff

In London Gareth is a member of the well known Tanfield Chambers whilst in Cardiff he remains Head of Chancery at Civitas Law Chambers.

Gareth Jones is recognised in the Legal 500 as a specialist Trusts barrister. His interest in trusts extends to all aspects of this topic ranging from Express Trusts (including Will Trusts) to those such as constructive and resulting trusts arising informally, for example out of cohabiting relationships and under the Trust of Land and Trustees Act 1996. He combines this with other traditional areas of Chancery, especially Land based actions such as boundary and easement disputes and Landlord and Tenant. Gareth has appeared several times before the Land Registry Adjudicator. He also includes banking and guarantees in his practice and has an increasing engagement in personal insolvency.

Tanfield Chambers is one of the leading sets for Private Client and Property Work in England and Wales

Elderly clients and their protection also feature in his practice, and in particular, the setting aside of transactions for Undue Influence and Unconscionable Bargain.

Perhaps the fastest growing area of his practice is Contentious Probate, including, but in no sense limited to, Inheritance Act claims. Administration of Estates, including insolvent estates, also features in his practice, and removal of awkward and recalcitrant Trustees and Executors is something of a speciality.

Although based in London and also Cardiff Gareth will happily travel and has conducted many cases in all parts of England and Wales, he is often before the Chancery Division in London.

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Gareth Jones Address (1): Tanfield Chambers 2 to 5 Warwick Court London WC1R 5DJ Email: ZoeBluck@tanfieldchambers.co.uk GarethJones@tanfieldchambers.co.uk Phone: +44 0207 421 5300 Address (2): Civitas - Civil and Public Law Barristers Global Reach Celtic Gateway Cardiff Bay CF11 0SN Email: gareth.jones@civitaslaw.com Web: www.civitaslaw.com Phone: +44 0845 0713 007

2014 Legal Awards | 65

Corporate Governance Law Firm of the Year - Italy

Giancola Teti & Associati was founded in 2005 and operates through branches located in Milan, Rome and Pescara, with a team of Italian lawyers experienced in international transactions, in the following practice areas: contract, commercial and corporate law; intellectual property; real estate; banking, financial and tax law; labour and employment law.

Giancola Teti & Associati mainly deals with corporate law, offering not only traditional legal services but also adding value through innovative services, such as relationships with funds operating in venture capital and private equity transactions.

The Law Firm pays particular attention to issues related to new corporate financing, such as Minibond and Commercial Papers, and deals with internationalization of companies, supporting its clients during every phase of their business development.

The Law Firm provides legal assistance in national and international acquisitions, mergers, corporate governance, cross-borders transactions, commercial relationships, trust instruments and real estate transactions, along with a network of national and international firms.

Giancola Teti & Associati has opened in 2014 its own internal Patents and Trademarks department, consolidating Intellectual Property as one of its fields of activity.

University of Bologna “Alma Mater Studiorum”. He worked for important Italian and foreign Law Firms and is currently member of the Foreign Relations Committee established by the Council of the Bar Association of Pescara.

Stefano Teti, after graduating at the University of Pisa in 1995, specialized in civil and corporate law at the Notary School “A. Anselmi “ in Rome. He worked for important Italian and foreign Law Firms, attending to national and international corporate transactions.

Giancola Teti & Associati Web: www.gtlex.com Address: Via Brera 6, Milan, Italy Phone: +39 02 87366270 Fax: +39 02 36215890 Address: Via Firenze 44, Pescara, Italy Phone: +39 085 4213317 Fax: +39 085 9090152

www.facebook.com/giancolateti twitter.com/GT_lex linkedin.com/company/giancola-teti-&-associati

Founders Biagio Giancola, after graduating at the University of Teramo in 1993, specialized in civil and corporate law at the Notary School “A. Anselmi” in Rome as well as in tax law at the

Employment Litigator of the Year - Oregon

Gilroy & Napoli, LLC is a general law practice located in Lake Oswego, Oregon. The attorneys at Gilroy & Napoli represent clients throughout the State of Oregon in both civil litigation and criminal defense cases.

John Gilroy and Jeff Napoli established Gilroy & Napoli in 2003 after working together in the Washington County District Attorney’s office as Deputy DA’s. Originally, the former Deputy DA’s focused their practice on criminal defense work however since that time the firm has expanded their practice to several areas of civil litigation, including employment law.

In 2011, Ashley Bannon joined Gilroy & Napoli as an associate attorney. Together Jeff Napoli and Ashley Bannon have successfully handled employment litigation cases throughout the State of Oregon in both State and Federal Court. Throughout the last year Ashley Bannon has been quoted by several media outlets regarding the importance of representing female employees who have been discriminated against or harassed. “There is this indescribable feeling of fulfillment I get when I represent a victim. I don’t get that feeling practicing any other type of law.” says Ashley Bannon about her employment litigation practice.

Just one of the cases handled by Jeff Napoli and Ashley Bannon over this past year involved over a million dollar settlement for two women who were sexually harassed in the workplace.

Employment-Based Discrimination Law in Oregon In Oregon, employment-based discrimination is generally not actionable, unless an employee falls into one of the following protected classes: Sex Discrimination (Including discrimination based on pregnancy (i.e.

Pregnancy Discrimination) - Sexual Orientation Discrimination - Racial Discrimination - Ethnic Discrimination - Age Discrimination - Disability Discrimination - Discrimination Based on National Origin - Religious Discrimination.

Retaliation and Whistleblower Protection Oregon law and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 also provide protection for individuals who are retaliated against for making good faith reports of law violations, for opposing any law violation or for cooperating in an investigation regarding any potential law violation.

Employees also have a right to be free from retaliation for their opposition to discrimination or their participating in an EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) or BOLI (Bureau or Labor and Industry) proceeding by filing a charge, testifying, assisting, or otherwise participating in any manner in any investigation, proceeding or hearing under federal or state law. An employer may not fire, demote, harass or otherwise “retaliate” against an individual for filing a charge of discrimination, participating in a discrimination proceeding, or otherwise opposing discrimination. In addition to the protections against retaliation that are included in all of the laws enforced by EEOC, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also protects individuals from coercion, intimidation, threat, harassment or interference in their exercise of their own rights or their encouragement of someone else’ exercise of rights granted by the ADA. Under Oregon and Federal law, in addition to the above described protections, am employee is also protected against retaliation for engaging in what the law refers to as “whistleblowing.” Generally speaking, an employer cannot take adverse employment action against an employee who reports employees or employers for engaging in unlawful conduct.

Examples of such complaints include, but are not limited to wage and hour violations, unsafe working conditions or violations of financial reporting.

In addition, for an employee to prevail on an employment discrimination, the employer must usually take some tangible employment action against the employee, including but not limited to terminating the employee, demoting the employee or creating an environment that negatively impacts the employees ability to work.

“Most of my clients come to me overwhelmed by the prospect of standing up to their employees. They understand that their employers have the money and lawyers to make things extremely difficult on them. It is standing up to these corporate giants on behalf of my clients that I find most fulfilling about practicing employment law. Whether it be through trial or negotiations getting justice for my clients is what I love best about my job.” - Jeff Napoli.

Both state and federal laws are designed to protect employee’s who feel there rights have been violated. However, there are very strict timelines regarding when an employee may have an actionable claim therefore contacting an attorney as soon as possible is essential.

Gilroy & Napoli, LLC Web: www.gilroynapoli.com Address: P.O. Box 2150, 15924 Quarry Road, Lake Oswego, OR 97035 Phone: +1 503 620 9887

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66 | 2014 Legal Awards

Family Law Firm of the Year - Singapore

Gloria James-Civetta & Co (GJC Law), is an established Singapore Law Firm, with legal expertise in Asia-Pacific, the UK and European markets, including local and expat cross-border divorces, family law matters, estate law, corporate law, employment law, civil and commercial law, criminal law (white and blue collar crimes), and other litigation and solicitor’s work matters. GJC Law has affiliate offices in London, Malaga, Madrid and Rotterdam.

About the Firm At Gloria James-Civetta & Co, our mission is to serve our client`s immediate and necessary legal needs, understand their short and long term goals thoroughly, while offering them effective advice and assistance.

Our clients are presented with efficient legal solutions in a cost conscious and individualised manner and we help and guide each of our clients to help them understand the bigger picture.

About Gloria Gloria James-Civetta is a Singapore-born lawyer of Sri Lankan heritage.

Bilingual in English and Mandarin, Gloria has 19 years of legal experience and is an advocate, solicitor, barrister, mediator and collaborative practice lawyer.

Qualifications: Notary Public (Singapore) - Advocate and Solicitor (Singapore) 1996 - Barrister-at-Law (Lincoln’s Inn – UK) 1995 - LLB (Hons) (University Of Wolverhampton – UK) 1993 - Associate Mediator – Singapore Mediation Centre - Associate Mediator – Primary Dispute Resolution Centre, Subordinate Courts of Singapore - Collaborative Family Practice Lawyer Training and Pupillage Experience: Gloria undertook a mini pupilage under the guidance of Lawrence Jones, presently of 33 Bedford Row Barristers’ Chambers, London, UK Her sponsor at Lincoln’s Inn was Sir Nicholas Bratza, the former President of the European Courts of Human Rights (ECHR).

She was also an understudy to the late Sir Eric Crowther OBE, a Crown Court Judge.

Best in Trade & Customs - Brazil

She is also endorsed by Global Law Experts for her expertise in the area of family law.

Representing clients both local and international, Gloria has been involved in various types of litigation court matters, including: High Net Worth Local and Expat Contested Divorces in Singapore - Child Custody Issues - Matrimonial Injunction of Assets - Personal Protection Applications & Trials - Interim Maintenance Applications & Trials - Contested Ancillary Issues at the Family Court, High Court, Court Of Appeal - Civil Matters Involving Actions Commenced in the High Court - Defamation Suits - Criminal Representations – Magistrates’ Courts, District Courts, High Court, Court of Appeal - Private Summons Prosecutions - Contested Probate/Letters of Administration Matters - Adoption Matters - Presumption of Death Matters - SMEs Company Matters - Employment Disputes - Property Disputes - Agreement Disputes - Coroner’s Inquiry Membership: Member of the Law Society of Singapore - Vice-Chairman of the Criminal Law Practice Committee of the Law Society of Singapore - Member of the Family Law Practice Committee of the Law Society of Singapore - Member of the Singapore Academy of Law - Associate Mediator of the PDRC, Subordinate Courts of Singapore - Associate Mediator of the Singapore Mediation Centre - Collaborative Family Practice Lawyer - Member of CLAS (Criminal Legal Aid Scheme) - Assigned State Lawyer under LASCO (Legal Assistance Scheme for Capital Offences) - Volunteer Member of AWARE, Sengkang Legal Clinic - Member of the British Chambers of Commerce Areas of Practice Criminal Law - Family Law - Civil & Commercial Law - Sports Law - Property Law - Adoption - Accident/Insurance Law - Wills & Estates Coroner’s Inquest - Mediation Services

Gloria’s Experience: Over the course of her career, Gloria has gained considerable experience and knowledge in many diverse areas of the law.

Gloria James-Civetta & Co Email: gloria@gjclaw.com.sg | Web: www.gjclaw.com.sg Address: 5 Coleman St. #03-06, Excelsior Hotel Shopping Centre, Singapore 179805 Phone: +65 6337 0469 | Fax: +65 6337 0463

Providing assistance to governments, producers, exporters, importers and associations in trade solutions for market creation and expansion, Carolina Ures is a senior partner for International Trade Solutions at Sao Paulo, Brazil-based GO Associados.

Regarding Customs, she prepares technical studies and legal opinions in matters such as valuation, tariff classification, food safety, rules of origin and eligibility for preferential duties, exports taxes, General Systems of Preferences, customs unions, compliance certifications, and import licensing.

Carolina Ures is a senior partner for International Trade Solutions at GO Associados, a firm with headquarters in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and branches in Argentina, Italy, Mexico, and South Africa. She provides assistance to governments, producers, exporters, importers and associations in trade solutions for market creation and expansion, including bilateral, regional and multilateral negotiations, trade remedies, economic-regulatory market studies involving tariff and other tax reductions, identification, elimination and reduction of non-tariff barriers, commercial expansion strategies, as well as labelling and other technical barriers, sanitary and phytosanitary standards and food safety, among others.

She holds a Master in International Economic Law and Policy; post-graduation in International Trade Law and Economic Relations; Bachelor in Law, Carolina is the author of selected chapters in different publications in Brazil and the Netherlands. She has experience with International Law since 1995, and exclusively with International Trade Law since 2000.

Carolina is also a Senior Expert in capacity building for international trade law and trade enhancement strategies to governments, specifically regarding EC Projects involving WTO Principles, Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures, Legislative Drafting Techniques and Review, Communication Optimization, Trade Remedies, and Regional Integration (e.g., Mercosur, Cafta, Gafta, GCC, Mexico, among others).

She advises governments on various WTO issues, particularly with regard to negotiations on trade remedies and the settlement of some WTO disputes (e.g., US-Cotton, EC-Sugar, EC-Zeroing, EC-privatization and EC-Bananas).

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Being a certified Associate Mediator at the Subordinate Courts of Singapore and the Singapore Mediation Centre, Gloria is able to assist her clients to achieve settlement, even in acrimonious matters. Gloria is one of only 17 lawyers in Singapore, qualified to practice collaborative family work.

GO Associados Address: Av. Brig. Faria Lima, 2081 cj. 32 01452-000 – Jardim Paulistano São Paulo/SP – Brazil Email: carolina.ures@goassociados.com.br Web: www.goassociados.com.br Phone: +55 11 3030 6676

2014 Legal Awards | 67

Best in Transfer Pricing - Canada

About Grant Thornton in Canada Grant Thornton LLP is a leading Canadian accounting and advisory firm providing audit, tax and advisory services to private and public organizations. Together with the Quebec firm Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton LLP, Grant Thornton in Canada has approximately 4,000 people in offices across Canada. Grant Thornton LLP is a Canadian member of Grant Thornton International Ltd, whose member firms operate in over 100 countries worldwide.

Grant Thornton LLP Name: Brad Rolph Email: Brad.Rolph@ca.gt.com Web: www.grantthornton.ca Address: 200 Bay Street, 19th Floor, Box 55, M5J 2P9, Toronto, ON Canada Phone: +1 416-360-5021

About Grant Thornton International Ltd Grant Thornton is one of the world’s leading organizations of independent assurance, tax and advisory firms. These firms help dynamic organizations unlock their potential for growth by providing meaningful, forward looking advice. Proactive teams, led by approachable partners in these firms, use insights, experience and instinct to understand complex issues for privately owned, publicly listed and public sector clients and help them to find solutions. More than 35,000 Grant Thornton people, across over 100 countries, are focused on making a difference to clients, colleagues and the communities in which we live and work.

International Finance & Business Law Firm of the Year - Switzerland

GTLaw ®, a Switzerland-based law firm, specialises in finance law, with a particular emphasis on commodity finance and capital markets

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GTLaw ® is an exclusive law firm based in Switzerland specialising in finance law, with a particular emphasis on commodity finance and capital markets. Gilles Thieffry, the founder of GTLaw®, has over 25 year’s experience, primarily in the City of London where he was a partner in two leading international firms (see Profile). Gilles can properly be regarded as one of Europe’s leading specialists in commodity finance, structured finance and derivatives.

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As a small, highly focused, practice without the infrastructure and overheads of a major law firm GTLaw ® is able to offer a value added service at highly cost-effective rates. The firm’s philosophy is based on personal service. Clients instructing GTLaw ® will not find that their matter is dealt with by someone they have never met. Nor will they pay for teams of assistants and trainee lawyers. Indeed GTLaw ® is very happy to work alongside a client’s regular, mainstream, legal and/or accounting advisors.

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I need specialist but practical advice from a senior, experienced practitioner Value added is more important to me than “brand” recognition I want an advisor who will wish to develop a long-term professional relationship based on mutual trust I don’t want a lawyer who will endlessly argue about trivial drafting points I want a lawyer who will build good working relationships with other lawyers involved in the transaction

GTLaw ® Email: gilles.thieffry@gtlaw.ch Web: www.gtlaw.ch Phone: +41 (0)22 592 94 95

Who Should Instruct GtLaw ®?

Any organisation or individual requiring specialist advice on a complex financing transaction from a recognised specialist who will provide a dedicated personal service, combining extensive experience with a multi-cultural approach, at a reasonable cost. For example, if the following applies to you, then you should probably speak to GTLaw ®:

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68 | 2014 Legal Awards

Harit Sheth Advocates

Advocates, Lawyers & Commissioners For Oath & Notaries Public Richard Mundia Kariuki 4th Floor, Block 3, Delta Riverside, Riverside Drive, Nairobi Tel: +254 20 2330593,+254 20 2345088 Cellphone Nos: 0722 306830/0733 440648/ 0705009999/0728009999/ 0732009999/0737009999 Dropping Zone No 197, Revlon Plaza

Best New USA Lawyer Debtors’ & Creditors’ Rights

Hill, Farrer & Burrill LLP was founded in Los Angeles in 1923. It is a full-service business law firm, providing representation in litigation, appellate, bankruptcy, labor and employment, corporate, real estate and tax matters. It is a member of Globalaw, a prestigious worldwide network of independent law firms, with more than 100 members in 165 cities, and is represented on Globalaw’s governing board.

Hill Farrer attorneys have successfully handled thousands of transactions and won thousands of cases. Hill Farrer lawyers are respected by the courts and their peers for their solid understanding of the law and aggressive advocacy for their clients.

Hill, Farrer & Burrill

Daniel J. McCarthy, Hill Farrer partner, received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and his law degree from University of Michigan Law School. He joined Hill Farrer out of law school in 1981 and has been a partner there since 1991.

By its nature, the practice of bankruptcy law is compromise-oriented, but not every dispute can be settled. When bankruptcy matters are contentious and need to be litigated, other attorneys frequently refer their clients to Mr. McCarthy.

Mr. McCarthy specializes in litigating disputes in bankruptcy court and related matters in state and other federal courts.

That includes fully preparing cases for trial and then trying the cases, as well as handling subsequent appeals. Mr. McCarthy has acted as appellate counsel for clients in appeals leading to numerous published and unpublished opinions. His expertise extends internationally to cross-border insolvencies.

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While Mr. McCarthy’s bankruptcy litigation experience is extensive, a few recent examples are representative. In 2013, he prevailed in two bankruptcy court trials. In one case, Mr. McCarthy successfully defended corporate clients against fraudulent transfer claims for approximately $10 million, and in another case he successfully defended an individual client against fraud claims. In January 2014, he represented two clients in acquiring critical assets in separate chapter 7 cases in order to eliminate litigation claims by the debtors against his clients. In a recent written order awarding sanctions against an opposing party, one bankruptcy judge described Mr. McCarthy as follows: “the Court is aware that, although all of his written communications show extreme patience and courtesy, Mr. McCarthy is an aggressive litigator.”

Mr. McCarthy has held Martindale-Hubbell’s “AV” highest possible rating for Legal Ability and Ethical Standards since 1999. In January 2014, he was selected by Super Lawyers Magazine for recognition as a top attorney in the area of Business Bankruptcy in Southern California.

Mr. McCarthy has published articles on bankruptcy law, and he is an editorial consultant for the two volume practice guide California Debt Collection and Enforcement of Judgments.

Hill, Farrer & Burrill LLP Name: Daniel J. McCarthy, Partner Email: dmccarthy@hillfarrer.com Web: www.hillfarrer.com Phone: +1 213 6210802

2014 Legal Awards | 69

Best in Immigration Law - Australia

Immigration Solutions Lawyers Pty Ltd is an Australian legal practice that specialises in immigration law Immigration Solutions Lawyers Pty Ltd can assist you with a strategic pathway of migration into Australia. Our expertise ranges from completing relatively straightforward visa applications to undertaking complicated applications requiring detailed arguments and submissions for example waiving of either health or character criteria. We are also very experienced in preparing reviews to the Migration Review Tribunal and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal as well as lodging submissions for Ministerial Intervention Requests.

At Immigration Solutions Lawyers, we understand your frustration and anxiety in dealing with your immigration issue, that’s why we don’t only provide the best immigration and legal services and advice; we also assist you with the best professional and personal care.

Immigration Solutions Lawyers Pty Ltd Address: Suite 1304, World Tower, 87-89 Liverpool Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia Phone: +61 (2) 9264 6432 Web: www.islnews.net

Why Choose Us? Immigration Law is a very complex area of law. With many of its legislation, rules, and regulations changing and developing at a very fast pace, it is understandably hard for people with no legal background to understand them. Therefore, our team at Immigration Solutions Lawyers endeavours to give the most credible and accurate advice to our client in a way that is very easy for them to understand.

We also monitor the law and regulation for any changes and observe the political air to anticipate any possible change that might impact on our current and future client.

It is really important to place your immigration issue in the hands of the right and most competent professional. By using our service, you are guaranteed by the level of experience, legal education and professional responsibility that our lawyers possess.

Litigation Enforcement Of Stipulated Settlements

Incite Law Group is happy to claim its AI 2014 Legal Award for Litigation Enforced Stipulated Settlements. This accolade comes on the heels of managing to completion negotiated settlements with over 60 public companies in just over 3 years with aggregate client value approaching $500,000,000.

The AI award provides great encouragement and works to incentivize us to deliver to our clients more value, more efficiently. We are grateful to our clients above all, each of whom works to apply best of breed business solutions to each new transaction. This, in turn accords Incite Law Group the opportunity to integrate its proprietary blend of strategic analysis, legal document creation and courtroom advocacy to the client’s desired outcome.

CEO Mark A. Vega is the consummate strategic deal maker with 25 years of experience as a team builder, leader and advocate in the media, entertainment and marketing industries. Incite Law Group represents entrepreneurs in entertainment, technology and advertising in a practice honed through 20 years at global law firms.

10801 National Boulevard, Suite 500 Los Angeles, California 90064 Office: +1.323.306.3970 – Fax:+1.323.306.3874 info@incitelawgroup.com

lawyers instigating resolution since 1992 Mark A. Vega

In 2000, Mr. Vega was among the first entertainment lawyers crafting “branded entertainment” deals at a time when consumer brands were just starting to understand their reach far beyond the television commercial.

Current clients include micro-cap wunderkind Ironridge Global whose public company finance structures have breathed life into many ailing companies, included among them a dozen energy and sustainable resources efforts. Prior clients include legendary producer Robert Evans (The Godfather, Rosemary’s Baby, Kid Stays In The Picture, Kid Notorious), action sports director Dana Brown (Step Into Liquid, Dust to Glory), surfer/iconoclast Laird Hamilton and entertainment brands such as National Lampoon and Classic Media (Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, Veggie Tales). During the first round of dot.com phenomena, Mr. Vega crafted groundbreaking templated, revenue-generating business models for Hypnotic.com (the first “Million Dollar Film Festival”) and real estate giant Homestore.com.

In 2004 Mark co-founded and served as COO of Omelet, a first of its kind ad agency who worked to own with its brand clients the ever-evolving “entertainment” advertising content. Mr. Vega was uniquely positioned as the only active ad agency owner who was also a practicing entertainment/IP attorney. He introduced bleeding edge collaboration models between agency and clients, agency and third parties and agency and employees. Omelet’s unique structure mashed the traditional agency-works-for-client universe with film & TV IP ownership scenarios and in the process secured ad industry-first engagements with Anheuser-Busch, Microsoft, ABC-Disney, Heineken, Fox Mobile, Easton-Bell Sports, Bioware-Pandemic and others who previously refused to relinquish control of intellectual property rights.

In 2010 Mr. Vega founded Triple Cap Worldwide with Spanish superstar Sergio Bruna who together produced the first prime-time Spanish language network variety and talk show produced in the US for Spanish speaking audiences in the US. The company also produces comedy specials and its management arm helps Spanish speaking comics around the world find avenues for their individual comedy brands to audiences around the globe.

Vega and Bruna founded Carpe Solaris, Inc. in 2014 receiving their contractor’s license as a full-service Solar company in Southern California. Like each of Mr. Vega’s ventures, the Carpe Solaris white glove customer service mission is executed against an unparalleled work glove efficiency.

Each venture, with Incite Law Group as the foundation cornerstone, is a results-oriented community focused on attaining the client’s goals efficiently, profitably and proudly.

Incite Law Group, Inc. Name: Mark A. Vega Email: info@incitelawgroup.com Web: www.incitelawgroup.com Address: 10801 National Blvd., Suite 500, Los Angeles, CA 90064 Phone: +1 (323) 306-3870 Fax: +1 (323) 306-3874

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70 | 2014 Legal Awards

Best in Transfer Pricing - Mexico

ISAS Transfer Pricing is a transfer pricing and business valuation firm in Querétaro, Mexico, which is committed to serving its clients with specific solutions and strategies attained to the highest ethics and quality standards In the current economic climate, with the rapid development of new markets, new forms of communication and greater international mobility, businesses now operate within a new global framework.

Whether you start operations abroad or your company is entering the Mexican market, ISAS is at your service, backed by our quality and experience to ensure the success of your business. We specialise in transfer pricing, economic services and valuation, engaged in offering solutions and specific strategies under the highest quality standards, ethics and compliance deadlines, providing a consistent personalised service to you and your organisation.

ISAS Transfer Pricing is a transfer pricing and business valuation firm committed to serve the clients with specific solutions and strategies attained to the highest ethics and quality standards, meeting compliance deadlines and providing a personalised service according to the current characteristics of the organisation.

As a specialist in transfer pricing and business valuation consultancy, ISAS Transfer Pricing consists of excellent technical quality staff and professional multidisciplinary training. This together with the constant incorporation of advanced technologies, allows ISAS Transfer Pricing to provide high quality services to its customers.

Senior Clerk of the Year - UK

John Grimmer, Senior Clerk at 2 Bedford Row, has received uniformly glowing appraisals from the market, with commentators venerating him for trustworthiness and honesty in all his dealings John Grimmer joined 2 Bedford Row Barristers chambers in 1975 and has been senior clerk since 1984. In addition, he served as Clerk to the Attorney General of England, Wales and Northern Ireland from 1997 to 1999.

John Grimmer

Chambers Directory 2014 says, “John Grimmer runs the set like clockwork” and “has an attentive service orientated approach to client care”. Chambers Directory 2013 describes John as “the Uber-meister of criminal clerks” and goes on to say “he received uniformly glowing appraisals from the market. Commentators venerate him for trustworthiness and honesty in all his dealings.”

In Autumn 2013 Aquisition International named John as their UK Senior Clerk of the year. Chambers Directory 2012 describes John’s “peerless clerking” and “as one of the best rainmakers in the business”. He is recognised “as one of the most respected and long-serving clerks who enjoys a matchless reputation amongst his contemporaries”.

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Alejandro Isas has experience in negotiating unilateral and multilateral Advanced Pricing Agreements with the Mexican tax authorities, and has also assisted clients in the US and Europe, evaluating the expansion of its business activities in Mexico. Moreover, Alejandro has significant experience in global restructurings, debt planning and in representing clients before tax and customs authorities and in controversy procedures.

Alejandro has been a speaker for the Mexican and other Latin American tax authorities on topics related to transfer pricing and international taxation, and has been actively involved in international forums in many countries like Panamá, Bulgaria, Perú, Colombia, USA, Ecuador Venezuela, Argentina, Guatemala, among others.

Alejandro has previously served as the President of Transfer Pricing Commission of Mexican Institute of Public Accountants (Region CentroOccidente) as well as the President of the United Sates – Mexico Chamber of Commerce – Chapter Querétaro (USMCOC).

ISAS Address: Rufino Tamayo 2, Col. Pueblo Nuevo, Corregidora, 76900 Querétaro, Mexico Phone: +52 (442) 309 39 00 Email: a.isas@altus-alliance.com Web: www.isas.mx

John Grimmer Address: The Chambers of William Clegg QC 2 Bedford Row, London WC1R 4 BU Phone: 020 7440 8888 Email: clerks@2bedfordrow.co.uk Web: www.2bedfordrow.co.uk

2014 Legal Awards | 71

Motoring Barrister of the Year - UK

Julian Hunt possesses a vast reservoir of expertise and is able to call upon many years of practical experience in all areas of road traffic law. He is able to provide solid advice, taking his clients through every step of the legal process as he assists them in defending their driving licence or securing the most favourable result, while working diligently to highlight any salient mitigating features.

If you are charged with or summonsed for drunk driving, speeding, driving without insurance, driving while on a mobile phone, careless driving or if you face a ban through accruing 12 points or more, Julian is able to advise you, regardless of whether your hearing is months away or due to take place in a matter of days.

Julian Hunt

all hearings, meaning clients won’t find themselves working with a replacement barrister at short notice. To summarise, Julian will be the person clients speak to on the phone, the person they meet with and the person who navigates them through the maze of legal procedures as they work to protect their licence.

Julian Hunt Name: Julian Hunt Email: info@julianrhunt.co.uk Web: www.julianrhunt.co.uk Address: 21 Ellis Street, Chelsea, London, SW1X 9AL Phone: 0207 498 8781 Fax: 0207 498 8781

Working with teams of trusted solicitors, he is also able to assist and represent you in more serious criminal and regulatory offences.

Even though today there are many firms and individuals operating within the field of road traffic work, Julian stands out thanks to his ability to give pragmatic, sensible and straightforward advice. Whether a client has no apparent defence or is perfectly placed to fight their case, Julian is ideally placed to examine every course of action and make the right decisions to achieve the optimal outcome.

Julian is committed at all times to providing each and every one of his clients with a highly personal service. He won’t brief your case to another lawyer at the very last minute (as many firms do), instead undertaking all the work in each case that he is allowed to. He also represents his clients at

Best Full Service Law Firm - Bahrain

KBH Kaanuun (KBH) is a boutique full service law firm with offices in Dubai, Kuwait and Bahrain. We are a prominent and award-winning firm at the forefront of innovative and ‘first of its kind’ transactions.

KBH offers legal advice that spans major business disciplines and industries, including civil litigation and dispute resolution, real estate, corporate and commercial, employment and immigration, banking and finance, regulatory and compliance, probate and intellectual property.

We specialise in commercial litigation and dispute resolution.

Our client base consists of a mix of private sector, government, international and national development agencies in addition to a number of financial institutions, national and multi-national companies and high net worth individuals.

We can advise on the laws of Bahrain, as well as England and Wales, Kuwait and UAE Federal Law, Dubai Law and laws and regulations relating to specific free zones in the UAE, such as the DIFC. Our Bahrain team comprises of a mix of English qualified lawyers as well as local qualified Bahraini lawyers who work together to provide innovative, cost effective and efficient legal solutions to our clients who comprise of individuals as well as international and local corporate entities.

Our key practice areas are as follows: Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution We have a strong dispute resolution offering and have been nominated repeatedly by international legal directories as a leading law firm. We represent clients in claims before the Bahrain, DIFC and Kuwaiti courts on a number of disputes including shareholder disputes, property disputes, purchasing matters, misselling of financial products, insurance disputes, insolvency, employment, and company/commercial disputes.

Corporate and Commercial We offer a comprehensive range of services to clients who require corporate and/or general commercial advice. We work with clients on a wide range of corporate commercial transactions including but not limited to company restructuring, acquisition and disposal of companies, share purchases and transfers, management buy outs and joint ventures.

Banking and Finance We regularly advise our clients on bilateral and syndicated lending transactions; security documentation and structures; property and asset/mortgage finance; trade finance; project finance; product documentation, trade finance and banking litigation and enforcement.

Regulatory and Compliance We advise on the Central Bank of Bahrain (“CBB”) licensing of regulated financial activities, Bahrain Bourse listing requirements and registration for regulated businesses, compliance manuals, anti-money laundering rules, policies and guidelines for Bahrain as well as for Kuwait and Dubai; compliance monitoring programme and compliance audits.

Employment and Immigration We advise and assist on all aspects of labour and employment law including employment contracts, termination process, disciplinary procedures, grievances, redundancies, as well day-to-day support to their legal and human resources teams. We regularly review and draft companies’ employment contracts and advise companies on their human resource policies.

Property We act for a number of corporate and individual clients in relation to their commercial lease agreements, property management agreements, as well as advising on general land and property laws in Bahrain.

Corporate Social Responsibility We have introduced a new service across the GCC in advising public and private companies on every aspect of their Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”) best practices and requirements, which includes corporate governance and corruption measures.

Economic offences & Sanctions KBH has significant experience in advising on and litigating matters arising from economic offences.

Intellectual Property and Media We advise on mobile hosting and content distribution agent, content licensing agent, software agreements, registration of trademarks, registration of patents and copyright.

“AXA Insurance (Gulf) B.S.C. (c) has been using KBH Kaanuun law firm for a number of years on a wide range of matters including employment law, regulatory issues, arbitrations, litigations etc. We have always found Haifa Khunji and her team to be very professional and responsive. They respond to requests in a timely manner and provide very practical and clear advice. They are a pleasure to work with.”

- AXA Insurance (Gulf) B.S.C. (c) on 9 November 2014.

KBH Kaanuun Name: Haifa Khunji Email: h@kbh.bh | Web: www.kbhkaanuun.com Address: Al Zamil Tower, Office 151, Building 31, Road 383, Block 305 PO Box 65005, Manama Centre, Kingdom of Bahrain Phone: +973 172 12130 | Fax: +973 172 12132

www.acquisition-intl.com

72 | 2014 Legal Awards

Fraud Barrister of the Year - UK

Keith Mitchell’s practice encompasses major SFO, VAT and MTIC frauds as well as business, financial and other white-collar crime matters Keith Mitchell has long been recognised for his expertise in fraud and white collar crime and has been consistently ranked as a leader in his field in all fraud sections of the top legal directories, Chambers UK 2014 and the Legal 500 2014. He was named UK White Collar Crime Barrister of the Year for 2012 by Acquisition International.

Mitchell, who is a member of the chambers 33 Chancery Lane, has been described as “superb with clients and popular with juries”, “a talented practitioner who knows his way around fraud cases.” His practice encompasses major SFO, VAT and MTIC frauds as well as business, financial and other white-collar crime matters.

33 CHANCERY LANE

Best for Medical Malpractice - Pennsylvania

In the recent Chambers and Partners UK 2014 edition, it says ‘‘...he’s very practical in looking for solutions and a very strong advocate on his feet’’. In the Fraud (Crime) section of the Legal 500 2014, Keith is highlighted as being a Leading Junior. It says that he is an “extremely strong jury advocate”.

It has been said that “his ability to sift through heavy paperwork and present a cogent argument in court is the envy of many”. He has appeared in the ‘Jockey Club’ case and in Operation Exhort ‘cash for crash’, and in Operation Vaulter MTIC fraud the largest ever contra trading and offshore operation based in Dubai. One source said of him: “He is just superb. He’s always involved in the biggest cases in the country and he has a great touch with the clients.”

Keith Mitchell Phone: +44 (0) 20 7440 9950 Email: kam@33cllaw.com Address: 33 Chancery Lane, WC2A 1EN London Web: www.33knowledge.com

The Lewis Law Firm represents patients and their families who are dealing with doctor medical malpractice and hospital medical malpractice resulting in serious personal injury, birth injury, disability, traumatic brain injury and death

The Lewis Law Firm handles cases of: Birth Injury; Breast Cancer; Ovarian Cancer; Cervical Cancer; Prostate Cancer; Liver Cancer; Pancreatic Cancer; Cancer in Children; significant brain injury; hospital malpractice; significant medication errors; drug interactions; severe nursing home neglect; and harmful surgical mistakes.

Attorney Gayle R. Lewis is the founding partner of The Lewis Law Firm. The Lewis Law Firm is a woman-owned and personal medical malpractice law firm with offices in Philadelphia, outside of Philadelphia in Bryn Mawr and our office in New Jersey. We represent patients and their families who are dealing with doctor medical malpractice and hospital medical malpractice resulting in serious personal injury, birth injury, disability, traumatic brain injury and death. Gayle R. Lewis has practiced as a medical malpractice lawyer for over 30 years. Adding to her wealth of experience is a team of doctors and lawyers who review your case in house before it’s sent to outside experts, ensuring that your case is prepared for trial in from the moment you walk into our Philadelphia or New Jersey offices.

The Lewis Law Firm limits the number of cases we accept each year. The Lewis Law Firm ensures that you are treated personally and with the dignity and compassion that you deserve through the difficult time of coping with the pain and suffering and financial hardship caused by medical malpractice. At the Lewis Law Firm, you are a name and not a case number. Many of the cases accepted by the Lewis Law Firm involve healthcare issues specific to women and healthcare issues invovling children including Breast Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Cervical Cancer in women and Cancer and other injuries in Children.

www.acquisition-intl.com

Previous legal directories have said of Keith, that “apart from having the brains and personality to deal with the most complex fraud cases, Keith Mitchell is also the type of barrister who takes the time to go through everything with his clients”. He has been “recognized as being one of the main players specialising in VAT and fraud”. Keith is also known “for his great client care skills and flair when it comes to case management” and his “flamboyant” style as an advocate. He completed the case of McHugh reported in the Wall Street Journal 14th November 2011 and is leading in Operations Galion and Barber. Recent highlights include representing a former Vantis accountant charge with fraud and false accounting at the Central Criminal Court resulting in no confiscation order. New cases include Operation YogaUS Carbon Credit fraud operating out of Spain and USA and FSA investigation into alleged worldwide €34m alleged land bank fraud.

The Lewis Law Firm offers a personal litigation experience for our clients who face significant past medical expenses, loss of wages, and expensive future medical care. We offer a caring and confidential environment for plaintiffs and their families dealing with the loss of a child, spouse, parent, relative or loved one, in the Courts of Philadelphia and New Jersey.

The Lewis Law Firm Email: grl@attorneylewis.com Web: www.attorneylewis.com Address: 936 County Line Road Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 USA Phone: +1 610 520 7333

2014 Legal Awards | 73

Best Corporate Law Firm - Indonesia

Since its founding nearly 30 years ago, Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo has rapidly become one of Indonesia’s largest and most dynamic law firms

and companies. One example, LGS has assisted IBRA in the biggest debt restructuring in the world, a US$ 6.7 billion restructuring at Asia Pulp & Paper.

Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo (LGS) was formed in 1985 by its founding partners: Mr. Timbul Thomas Lubis, Mr. Mohamed Idwan Ganie and Mr. Arief Tarunakarya Surowidjojo. Since then, it has rapidly become one of Indonesia’s largest and most dynamic law firms. In serving the best interest of its clients, LGS provides qualified human resources with the ability to continuously implement current development of laws and regulations. Lawyers at LGS are selected from outstanding students graduate from top national universities as well as reputable international universities, based on their remarkable reputations in academic and achievement at both national and international level.

The firm’s lawyers have played important roles in a number of transportation projects, particularly toll roads, as well as other large-scale infrastructure projects. LGS has also had a presence outside of Indonesia and has provided legal services on a number of projects, including the Metro Manila Skyway Project.

Our Experience LGS was involved in many major debt restructuring transactions. The firm has been appointed Indonesian legal counsel for the Astra Group and has assisted the group in restructuring (merger, expansion and liquidation) over 100 companies.

LGS also acted as Indonesian counsel in Astra’s successful debt restructuring program of over US$ 1.2 billion in debts in 1999, which was one of the largest and most complex projects of this nature in Indonesian legal history. The further deepening of economic crisis forced Astra to restructure its debt in 2002. Again, LGS assisted Astra in the successful second debt-restructuring program that positioned Astra as the biggest and one of the healthiest firms in Indonesia.

LGS has acted as the Indonesian Government’s counsel to restructure the Indonesian banking systems during the economic and monetary crisis in 1998-2003, that exposed LGS to tremendous experience to deal with national and international scheme of policy issues, take over, merger and acquisition, and liquidation of troubled major assets of banks

Best for Tax Advisory - Malta

M. Meilak & Associates, Accountants & Tax Advisors in Malta provides independent tax advice which seeks to provide an insight into its clients’ businesses, helping them to grow and realise their ambitions M.Meilak and Associates is a young and energetic accounting firm based in Malta providing accounting and business advisory services across different sectors adding value to the local business community. We provide an independent advice which seeks to provide an insight of your business needs thus helping you to grow and realize your ambitions.

We believe in building long lasting mutual relationships with our clients. We always put our clients first and work in a proactive manner, thus anticipating our clients’ needs. We believe that there is always room for improvement and always seek to do better.

You will find a broad spectrum of skills and experience in our team and a can do attitude, always on the lookout for any changes which can have an effect on the business community. From book keeping to management accounts, company formation, corporate finance and management consultancy, M.Meilak & Associates offers a wide array of professional services.

Our Values Our vision is to provide exceptional accounting and business advisory services to our clients by focusing on the needs of the local business community. With this in mind we build long lasting relationships which deliver value and growth to our customers.

Through continuous investment in technology we succeed in maintaining high quality standards and be at the forefront in presenting innovative solutions which assures our clients that we are constantly focused on their needs.

LGS has been involved in a substantial number of projects involving state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Previous clients have included PLN, Jasa Marga, Perusahaan Gas Negara, PTP, Inhutani, Telkom, Garuda, Aneka Tambang, Timah, Cipta Niaga, as well as a number of state-owned banks and IBRA. The knowledge and experience amassed by LGS in these projects has proved invaluable in providing legal and practical advice for clients who deal with such SOEs. Lately, LGS has assisted HM Sampoerna in one of the biggest acquisition of public companies, Temasek and Goldman Sachs in a series of anti-monopoly litigations, restructuring and IPO of Adaro, one of the biggest mining companies, and its traditional clients such as Astra, Unilever, Charoen, Sampoerna family in various restructuring, merger and acquisition and capital market corporate actions, and the Indonesian Government in anticipating potential banking crisis due to the recent global economic crisis.

Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo Email: lubis@lgslaw.co.id Web: www.lgsonline.com Address: Menara Imperium 30th Floor, Jl. H. R. Rasuna Said Kav. 1 Kuningan, Jakarta 12980, Indonesia.

Phone: +62 21 831 5005

We believe that our staff are the bedrock of our organisation and fundamental in reaching our goals. Our organisational structure promotes a business environment encouraging continuous career development and dedication towards our customers.

Malta Tax & Tax Advisory Services Malta, the smallest economy in the European Union is the ideal location for businesses and individuals seeking a low cost and tax advantageous jurisdiction.

Since joining the EU in 2004, and adopting the Euro currency in 2008, the country has enjoyed consistent growth, attracting industries from different sectors which include pharmaceuticals, media and information technology, financial services and manufacturing. Coupling this with the island’s regulatory and fiscal framework, accessibility to mainland Europe via low cost airlines, multilingual human resources qualified across different fields, the use of English as the main business language and minimum bureaucracy; Malta stands out as one of the top business friendly destinations in Europe.

Our Tax Advisory Team can assist in both personal and corporate tax issues. Services include: • Personal and Corporate tax planning • The selection and formulation of appropriate legal structures • Advice based on Malta’s double Tax Treaties • Formulation of an International Tax Strategy • Company Secretarial and attendance at company meetings.

M. Meilak & Associates Email: info@mmeilak.com Web: www.mmeilak.com Address: Arch. P. Pace Street, Victoria, Gozo, Malta Phone: +356 21561216

www.acquisition-intl.com

74 | 2014 Legal Awards

Sector Award: Best Life Sciences Team

For over 25 years Morris Polich & Purdy has specialized in pharmaceutical, medical device, biotechnology and nutritional supplement representation Morris Polich & Purdy LLP is a law firm, with offices in Los Angeles, Irvine, San Diego, San Francisco and Las Vegas, that works with its clients on a national basis. We represent clients in every state, as well as many U.S. possessions, where their cases arise. We also have a wealth of international affiliations.

For over 25 years Morris Polich & Purdy has specialized in pharmaceutical, medical device, biotechnology and nutritional supplement representation. Our attorneys and support staff have vast depth and experience in this ever-evolving and expanding field. Our experience is diverse, ranging from service as national counsel in mass-tort litigation involving thousands of plaintiffs, to the handling of a single action involving a single plaintiff. Our clients are equally diverse, including an array of Fortune 500 companies with numerous products lines, as well as newer companies with only one marketed product. In addition to litigation, we provide our clients with counseling and risk management services. Over the years we have developed a network of lawyers throughout the U.S. and Europe who are available to assist our clients in Life Science matters.

For pharmaceutical companies, for example, we have handled matters involving clinical trials, marketed prescription and non-prescription medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for the treatment of disorders including, arthritis, depression, psychosis and other mental health conditions, pain, inflammation, diabetes, hormonal disorders, infections, obesity, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, pancreatic disorders, and a variety of other diseases, as well as bowel cleansing solution, cold medications, appetite suppressants, and herbal and nutritional supplements.

Our experience with medical devices is equally broad. We have represented clients in cases involving robotics, silicone breast implants, intraocular lenses, dental implants, human and animal tissue processing and implantation, dermal fillers, latex gloves, lasers, internal and external cardiac devices, heart pumps, radiation and x-ray devices, spinal stabilization devices, life support monitors, apnea monitors, surgical warming devices, respirators, microcatheters, infusion pumps,

Best in Patent Law - Ukraine

Since its foundation, Mikhailyuk, Sorokolat and Partners has developed into one of the largest firms in Ukraine in the field of Intellectual Property protection The history of our firm goes back 30 years. In 1974 future founder of Mikhailyuk, Sorokolat and Partners, Valentin Mikhailyuk, after receiving his diploma in physics from the Moscow Physics and Engineering Institute, began his activities in the USSR Academy of Science in the field of patenting and licensing. He became the Head of the Patent & License Department of the Institute for Low Temperature Physics and Engineering - one of the largest Institutes of the USSR Academy of Science.

In 1992 when Valentin Mikhailyuk, then an experienced professional in the sphere of patenting and licensing, was attested and received Patent Attorney License No. 1 in Ukraine, it was the beginning of our firm’s own history.

Mikhailyuk, Sorokolat & Partners

The same year firm Prins-Group Department M was founded, which in 2002 became “Mikhailyuk, Sorokolat and Partners”. The activities of the firm are based on the experience and knowledge of the founder and on the dedicated work of all the firm’s staff.

In day-to-day cooperation we have developed the concept of our work and created a team of the professionals highly qualified in their job.

High standards and strong principles of work have helped us to attain our present eminent place on the stage of IP in Ukraine, and the high quality of our work has enabled us to win the confidence of our clients.

Since its foundation, the firm has developed into one of the largest firms in Ukraine in the field of Intellectual Property protection. Following the needs of our clients we have created a network of associates in ex-USSR countries. Additionally, we have established our own offices in Russia, that has been successfully representing interests of our clients for more than ten years. Moreover, opening of a new office in Kazakhstan and in Georgia in 2010 further advances the services available to our clients.

We are fully aware of our responsibilities in the light of the NUMBER 1 granted to us in Ukraine, and we are sure that our progress will continue. We are ready to continue making history and expanding horizons of our possibilities together with our clients.

www.acquisition-intl.com

orthopedic devices, obstetric devices, prosthetic devices, cold therapy devices, surgical instruments, surgical adhesives, wheelchairs, RF and hydrothermal ablation devices, neurostimulators, stents, contact lens disinfecting solutions, occlusion balloon catheters, cochlear implants, physical therapy equipment, and other diagnostic equipment.

In the biotech field, we have provided counseling and litigation services to the leading biotech companies in the country, regarding medicines that treat a variety of diseases, such as arthritis, as well as conditions that affect the blood and internal organs.

In the field of nutritional supplements we represent manufacturers, contract manufacturers and distributors of ephedra, cold remedies, herbal remedies and supplements, sports and performance supplements, and weight loss products.

We provide exceptional service on every case, regardless of the size of the case or the client. We recognize that each case presents individual challenges – every case can be of tremendous importance to a product’s future, and that each case within a mass tort situation still needs individualized analysis and strategy. We carefully staff each case to provide the appropriate levels of expertise and support and consistently review staffing needs as situations evolve.

We have an in-house training program designed to provide education and expertise to our attorneys, and we routinely notify clients of legal developments in the field. Our attorneys are always mindful of the important interplay between litigation and regulatory affairs, as well as the business decisions that must often guide the handling of litigation.

We work hard to learn our clients’ products and business, and keep abreast of developments in their industry. We assist our clients by focusing not only on the needs of the present litigation, but on the impact of litigation on the client’s long-term goals and strategy, and the importance of continuous risk management.

Morris Polich & Purdy Address: 1055 West Seventh Street Suite 2400, Los Angeles, CA 90017 USA Email: JSanchez@mpplaw.com Phone: +1 213 891 9100 Web: www.mpplaw.com

Our goals are as follows: To create and maintain traditions means to win the confidence of your client From the very beginning, we have been introducing world intellectual property traditions into our work, forming new traditions of the intellectual property system in Ukraine and the traditions of our company.

Such words as reliability, confidence and professionalism became our work credo.

Since our foundation, our goal has been to maintain, respect and defend the strong traditions of the world system of intellectual property protection and the traditions of our clients, ensuring the strength and profitability of their names and brands, and safeguarding the products of their intellectual labour, such as innovations and designs.

To Search for New Ideas New ideas drive modern society and underlie the modern economy.

Each new idea brings new opportunities and allows to improve and succeed.

We understand the importance of securing and protecting your ideas and innovations and do our best to save the ideas of our clients from unauthorised use. While taking care of the new ideas of our clients, we also try to find new ideas and ways in our own work, which can make our activities more fruitful and effective.

To Protect Your Intellectual Property By combining the principles of maintaining traditions and searching for new ideas, we have created an advanced system of protection for all the rights of our clients in the field of Intellectual Property Law. We have chosen Intellectual Property protection as our mission, and always do it as well as it is possible.

Mikhailyuk, Sorokolat and Partners Email: office@msp.ua Web: www.msp.ua Phone: +38057 7177472

2014 Legal Awards | 75

Best in Asbestos Mesothelioma Compensation - Canada

The Miskin Law Office has offices throughout Ontario and has a national focus on Asbestos (Mesothelioma) and drug injury claims Mesothelioma was thought to be a very rare condition but it is appearing more commonly because it takes a long time to develop and it was not always diagnosed properly in the past. Mesothelioma can only be caused by asbestos and maximum asbestos compensation is available for this horrific and generally fatal disease.

Many Canadians are still regularly exposed to asbestos where they work, visit, go to school or live. Asbestos exposure can cause deadly lung cancer and diseases such as mesothelioma years after the asbestos fibres are inhaled. The indestructible fibres cause respiratory difficulty, but over time can lead to deadly diseases such as Mesothelioma. Severe illness can develop many years after asbestos exposure.

Claims are made and compensation is mainly paid by asbestos trusts to people whose asbestos exposure was over 30 years ago when there were less safeguards in the use and removal of asbestos. Compensation for those who suffer and the families of those who have died from mesothelioma, lung cancer and other serious asbestos related diseases is available to Canadians, not just Americans. If you are in Canada, you do not need to hire a US lawyer to make a claim. You can be better served by a lawyer in Canada who can better understand your situation, Canadian Workers Compensation laws, Canadian workplace and other sources of asbestos exposure and our very different health care system.

Miskin Law Offices is one of very few Canadian law firms that is registered with the US asbestos trusts and directly handles asbestos compensation claims. We have been working

Best in Real Estate - Australia

Norton Rose Fulbright is a multinational law firm, with more than 3,800 lawyers in over 50 cities worldwide Norton Rose Fulbright is a leading global legal practice offering a full business law service to many of the world’s pre-eminent corporations and financial institutions.

We have more than 3800 lawyers based in over 50 cities across Europe, the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia.

Recognized for our industry focus, we are strong across all the key industry sectors: financial institutions; energy; infrastructure, mining and commodities; transport; technology and innovation; and life sciences and healthcare.

Wherever we are, we operate in accordance with our global business principles of quality, unity and integrity. We aim to provide the highest possible standard of legal service in each of our offices and to maintain that level of quality at every point of contact.

primarily in asbestos claims for almost a decade. We look at a person’s entire work history for clues about the source of asbestos exposure. When exposure is not from work we consider alternative ways that a person may have been exposed to asbestos. For the Miskin Law firm asbestos injury claims from across Canada are our main area of law practice.

Miskin Law Offices are based in Ontario, but we represent clients from all across Canada, in all Provinces and Territories, in making claims to American asbestos trusts. This is not a lawsuit and you do not go to court to get compensation.

They are essentially applications for asbestos compensation to funds set up when almost makers of asbestos products were put into bankruptcy by the many claims made against them based on harm caused by their products. Applications for our clients are made to many asbestos trusts and our clients get compensation from multiple sources. The asbestos trusts are based in the United States and we work as needed with American lawyers to advance our cases with a contingency fee split between our firm and the US law firm so our clients pay no more for having both Canadian and American representation. We also work with UK lawyers to get compensation from insurers and others where exposure was in the UK. The Miskin Law Office Email: miskinlaw@yahoo.com Web: www.adrworks.com Phone: Toll Free: +1 877 428 8000 Ajax ON: +1 905 428 8000 Peterborough ON: +1 705 755 7363 Toronto ON: +1 416 492 0989 Whitby ON: +1 905 430 8880

We are strong in financial institutions; energy; infrastructure, mining and commodities; transport; technology and innovation; and life sciences and health care.

We take the view that we are only as strong as our people – which is why quality training and flexible work programmes are paramount to our business. We deliver an extensive range of training programmes targeted at specific stages of our lawyers’ professional development. Our graduate lawyers have the opportunity to follow a unique Asia Rotation programme and to spend time in one of our Asia Pacific offices.

Come and explore our world.

We’re also proud to be certified by the EOWA as an Employer of Choice for Women 2012.

Norton Rose Fulbright Web: www.nortonrosefulbright.com Address: Level 18, Grosvenor Place, 225 George Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia Phone: +61 2 9330 8000

In Australia, we have offices in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

Knowing how our clients’ businesses work and understanding what drives their industries is fundamental to us. Our lawyers share industry knowledge and sector expertise across borders, enabling us to support our clients anywhere in the world.

www.acquisition-intl.com

76 | 2014 Legal Awards

Best Corporate Legal Team - UK

RadcliffesLeBrasseur is an award winning law firm offering a comprehensive suite of legal services ranging from corporate, corporate restructuring and turnaround, commercial, commercial property, commercial and regulatory litigation to private, healthcare and mental health.

Founded over 165 years ago, RadcliffesLeBrasseur has a strong reputation for giving sound legal advice and a consistently competitive high-quality service.

RadcliffesLeBrasseur boasts a client base across a myriad of sectors including: private equity, PLCs, SMEs, entrepreneurs, national institutions, charities, medical defence, NHS and private healthcare bodies, private clients and professions (for example, doctors, dentists and solicitors). The firm has 34 partners and 98 lawyers with offices in London, Leeds and Cardiff. As a member of Pragma, the firm has access to a worldwide network of law firms and hence the firm’s ability to provide an international service.

RadcliffesLeBrasseur is known for going “the extra mile” for its clients. Legal advice is commercial, focused and delivered in a clear straightforward manner.

Many of the firm’s lawyers have the inside track on the industries in which certain of its clients originate, either as a result of being leading experts in their field of practice, through direct experience of having worked within such industries prior to choosing a career in law or as a result of having developed a long and loyal client base working with such clients.

Most Trusted in Real Estate Law - Alberta

The lawyers at Richards Hunter Toogood have over 35 years of experience and offer an extensive list of legal services, including of course a focus on both commercial and residential real estate law.

The firm emphasizes client satisfaction and goal driven results - helping clients get done what they want to get done.

The firm’s overall goal is to provide legal services and business advice that adds value and supports client initiatives.

Richards Hunter Toogood is proud to support business clients throughout central and northern Alberta and indeed throughout all of western Canada.

At Richards Hunter Toogood, Real Estate transactions are a priority. Whether it’s a small purchase and sale transaction, or a multimillion dollar industrial or business land transaction or financing, Richards Hunter Toogood provides efficient, effective, personal service. That’s what client’s want and that’s what the firm strives to deliver. The firm provides legal support for commercial financings on both lender and borrower land secured real estate transaction matters; and assists with industrial, office, and residential land development, including multi-family residential and condominium developments.

www.acquisition-intl.com

The corporate restructuring and recovery arm of the business advises and assists private equity houses, turnaround businesses, investors, lenders, and management teams.

Appreciating that businesses can face difficult periods, RadcliffesLeBrasseur can work with businesses from start-up to exit and everything in-between. If managed correctly, difficult times can be transformed into turning points towards success as opposed to being the end of the road.

The firm has experience advising investors, shareholders and management teams addressing many complex areas of corporate restructuring and recovery. RadcliffesLeBrasseur advises on solvent as well as insolvent restructuring, management buy-outs, reorganisations and reconstructions.

It predominantly assists clients navigate the maze of legal ownership, and operational reorganisation, it appreciates its clients’ necessity for speed and the firm’s lawyers frequently work within challenging timeframes to work with clients achieving their goals.

RadcliffesLeBrasseur Name : Stephen Blair or Sumaira Choudary Email : stephen.blair@rlb-law.com sumaira.choudary@rlb-law.com Web : www.rlb-law.com Address : 5 Great College Street, Westminster, London SW1P 3SJ Phone : +44 (0)20 7222 7040 Fax : +44(0)20 7222 6208

Richards Hunter Toogood Name: Darren L. Richards Email: d.richards@rht-law.ca Address: Suite 1240 Weber Centre 5555 Calgary Trail NW Edmonton, AB T6H 5P9 Phone: +1 780 436 8554 Web: www.rht-law.ca

2014 Legal Awards | 77

Arbitrator of the Year - Portugal

ROGÉRIO ALVES & ASSOCIADOS – SOCIEDADE DE ADVOGADOS, RL, a Portuguese Law Firm based in Lisbon, was recently formed by the confluence of several recognized and experimented lawyers together around the former Bar Association Chairman Rogério Alves.

At ROGÉRIO ALVES & ASSOCIADOS - LAW FIRM we have a very intense goal: the strong and determined defence of our clients’ rights, wherever it matters. This statement unifies the sole reason of being a lawyer. To advise our clients, in a competent, permanent and attentive manner, on how to best fulfil their rights and comply with their duties. To choose pre-emptive legal advice as centrepiece of dispute resolution. This is also one of the various aspects of the activity of our lawyers.

Our determination arises from the will to provide flawless legal advice to our clients.

Our main practice areas are as follows: Litigation & Arbitration Litigation and arbitration are two closely related legal areas.

Litigation incorporates one of the fundamental aspects of forensics. It is where our clients’ interests must be legally defended, through courts and other decision-making entities.

Arbitration has been standing out within litigation as a new and modern way of accessing a final legal ruling, in a swifter, less formal and therefore more eficient manner.

At ROGÉRIO ALVES & ASSOCIADOS - LAW FIRM we strongly undertake these legal practices. Whether having litigation with criminal, civil or commercial nature, and also in matters related to private international law, we fully commit ourselves to each case.

With maximum commitment, competence and fighting spirit, we uphold the rights of those who entrust them with us.

Best for Dispute Resolution - Malaysia LETTERHEAD

01

For more than a decade, The Chambers of R. Sivagnanam & Associates has firmly positioned itself as a dynamic boutique law practice, with a proven ability to drive innovative solutions in old and emerging challenges.

size: W21cm x H29.7cm For over 15 years now the Chambers has been committed to delivering excellence across an ever widening set of practice divisions. It has an influential clientele encompassing Banks, Insurance and other Firms across the financial services sector, Government Linked Corporations (GLCs), , Multi-National Corporations, Public Listed Companies and prominent Institutional Bodies.

Its advisory division under The Chambers Group has now evolved into an innovative, multi-disciplinary consultancy which has successfully established Joint Ventures and paved the way for the acquisition and divestment of assets, capital market plays and transactions, in various jurisdictions.

As a client driven practice, it has spread its wings, extending the reaches of its general practice and growing its areas of specialization in a sustained manner. It continues to receive commendable market recognition in the following fields: • Joint Ventures (Domestic & Cross Border) • Construction Law • Civil and Commercial Litigation • Public Law & Judicial Review • Employment Law (Dismissals, Collective Agreements, Trade Disputes, Union Recognition, Restructuring, Sale of Business) • Commodity Trades and Disputes • Company Law (Regulatory Law, Shareholder Disputes, Corporate Governance, Take-Overs and Mergers).

2014 was quite a year. While there were many highlights, the more memorable achievements of the Chambers include: • Defeating a long standing claim by a minority shareholder of one of the largest oleochemical manufacturers in the world arising from a 1997 takeover and alleged breaches of the take over code;

Business Law At ROGÉRIO ALVES & ASSOCIADOS - LAW FIRM, we have created our business law practice area in order to provide an integrated and comprehensive legal service for professional clients - companies and entrepreneurs - as to initiate, develop and thrive within a business.

In permanent liaison with its clients, ROGÉRIO ALVES & ASSOCIADOS - LAW FIRM offers a pragmatic, regular and ongoing legal advice in all business related areas such as corporate and commercial law, finance and banking law, tax law, real estate and construction law, sports law, counselling on internationalisation projects in Portuguese speaking countries, financial restructurings and bank liabilities management, health and pharmaceutical law, media and technology.

Public Law Our practise area of public law aims to provide clients with a specialised service in the various aspects of administrative law, with particular focus in the areas of procurement, planning law and construction law, public employment, environmental law, fund law and community funding, expropriation and administrative law in general.

ROGÉRIO ALVES & ASSOCIADOS - LAW FIRM provides customised legal advice in all matters of public law, which may take many different forms, depending on the specific needs of the client, namely legal advice granted in given projects or transactions, providing legal information and advice, update and follow-up of legal proceeding in an administrative stage and patronage in court or arbitration proceedings.

ROGÉRIO ALVES & ASSOCIADOS – SOCIEDADE DE ADVOGADOS, RL Email: geral@raassociados.pt Web: www.raassociados.pt Address: Av. Álvares Cabral, 61 - 4.º, 1250-017 Lisbon Portugal Phone: +351 21 391 10 40

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Concluding several disputes involving complex international commodity sale contracts approximating USD 100 million each; Challenging the standing of the Association of Bank Officers and setting aside Ministerial references in that regard, in fending off a collective bargaining claim which would have added over RM 170m RM 300m to operating costs of the relevant Banks; Setting aside Mandatory Injunctions against a prominent entrepreneur requiring a freeze and deposit of funds arising from a real estate Joint Venture Dispute; Representation of the Malayan Commercial Banks Association (MCBA) in a national level trade dispute with the National Union of Bank Employees. After successfully obtaining interim orders in the proceedings the matter was concluded amicably; A break through appeal to challenge the assessment of compensation arising from compulsory acquisition of lands. The proceedings successfully tested the newly enacted ouster provisions to inhibit appeals; Acting for the largest Malaysian Bank for a test case in defamation against a trade union officer and the application of the laws governing trade union immunity; Setting aside 50 Awards of the Industrial Court against the largest Malaysian Bank in a claim involving performance bonus; Defending a leading Medical Group against a challenge over the legal standing of its contractual structures with consultants; Domestic and Cross Border Public Sector Projects and EPC Contracts and other claims and disputes arising.

The Chambers of R Sivagnanam & Associates Email: chambers@pd.jaring.my Web: www.rsachambers.com Address: 7th Floor Wisma Genting, 28 Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Phone: 603-2732 9530

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78 | 2014 Legal Awards

Best in Immigration Applications & Appeals - Australia & Best in Business Migration

Sabelberg Morcos Lawyers is a rapidly growing Melbourne-based law firm with offices in Sydney, Nanjing and a new office opening in Shanghai, China from January 2015, with over 30 years’ experience in providing sound and practical legal advice Our firm’s collaborative and diverse community and our unique friendly culture means that we always form strong relationships with our clients and can therefore provide them with practical and sound legal advice. We are rapidly growing and have established global links as we strive to continue to provide world class legal advice while remaining loyal to our clients and offering them supreme services.

Our Immigration Work Australia is a rapidly growing nation with a robust and healthy Department of Immigration and Citizenship at its core. Sabelberg Morcos Lawyers has etched a unique and unrivalled niche in the area of immigration with over 30 years experience in the field. Lawyers and Migration Agents at the firm have been immersed in immigration work and are well aware of all different types of visas and are competent with all of them. Our office is able to provide clients with detailed information with visa options as well as facilitate and oversee the process until we have achieved the best result for you.

• • • • • • • • •

Spouse and Family visas Retirement visas Carers visas Applications for work rights Appeals to the Refugee Review Tribunal Appeals to the Migration Review Tribunal Appeals to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Appeals to the Federal Magistrates Court Ministerial Interventions

Sabelberg Morcos Lawyers Web: www.sabelbergs.com.au Address: Level 5 (West) 224-236 Queen Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia Office number: +61 3 9670 4033 Fax: +61 3 9670 4099

We are experienced with all areas of Immigration and Citizenship particularly the following areas: • Business visas • Investor business Visas • Labour agreements Skilled migration • Protection and Humanitarian visas

Best US Lawyer: Banking & Finance

From its beginning as a seven-person firm in 1925, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP has grown to become a full-service business law firm with more than 240 lawyers, 60 paralegals and 495 employees in its five offices located in Toledo and Columbus, Ohio; Tampa and Sarasota, Florida; and Charlotte, North Carolina.

various public, private and not-for-profit organizations that promote the general improvement of our neighborhoods and communities, benefit our most economically disadvantaged citizens, and promote the arts and other sources of economic development. We hope to make a positive difference in the communities in which we work and live.

Firm Background In each of our markets, Shumaker is a premier provider of quality legal services to our core constituency: individuals, small businesses, health care providers, nonprofit organizations, Fortune 500 and international corporations. Our mission is to work on our clients’ timetable and budget, focus on results and keep our clients ahead of the curve.

Our Commitment We understand that when selecting a law firm, most clients are primarily looking for four things: • A high level of quality, sophistication, and experience • A creative and imaginative approach that focuses on finding solutions, not problems • Accessible lawyers who give their clients priority treatment and extraordinary service • A fair, cost-effective price

Shumaker recruits and retains top graduates from leading law schools and provides young lawyers with specialized training in the areas in which they practice.

Many of our lawyers have advanced degrees in disciplines related to their practices and a number have clerked for federal and state trial and appellate court judges. Eighty-two of our lawyers are listed in the prestigious publication, Best Lawyers in America.

Focused on Involvement Shumaker has a long history of community support. The firm is a strong supporter of non-profit organizations in each of its five locations and it firmly believes in giving back to the communities it serves.

The Leadership Shumaker program enables and encourages lawyers and staff to contribute both time and money to

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Shumaker has met the expectations of business clients that require this level of service. For today’s sophisticated clients, Shumaker offers a total package of quality, experience, value, responsiveness and an uncompromising commitment to servicing the legal needs of every client. That’s been the tradition of Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP and remains our constant goal. This is what sets us apart.

Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP Name: Thomas Webb Email: twebb@slk-law.com Web: www.slk-law.com Address: 1000 Jackson Street, Toledo, OH 43604-5573 Phone: 419.241.9000 Fax: 419.241.6894

2014 Legal Awards | 79

Best Insolvency Barrister - UK

Mark Watson-Gandy is a barrister at 13 Old Square Chambers in London specialising in insolvency, banking and corporate law Mark Watson-Gandy practices in the areas of insolvency, company, banking and private international law. He is the author of “Watson-Gandy on Accountants”, “Corporate Insolvency Practice” and “Personal Insolvency Practice”. He is one of the Editors of the Butterworths Corporate Law Service.

Mark Watson-Gandy Email: clerks@13oldsquare.com Web: www.13oldsquare.com Address: 13-14 Old Square, Lincoln’s Inn, London WC2A 3UE Phone: +44 (0)20 7831 4445

He is a Visiting Professor at the University of Westminster and a Visiting Lecturer at Cass Business School, City University. He was a finalist in Credit Today magazine’s Insolvency and Rescue awards in 2009 and 2010 as “Barrister of the Year” and Acquisition International magazine voted him in their M&A Awards 2012 “Insolvency Barrister of the Year” His Holiness Pope Benedict knighted Watson-Gandy in recognition of “his work as a barrister and law professor for the Catholic Church” in 2007 (Knight of the Order of St Gregory of the Great).

He is also a member of the British Virgin Islands Bar. Watson-Gandy is a member of Thirteen Old Square, a set of barristers’ chambers located in Lincoln’s Inn, London specialising in Chancery and commercial law.

The chambers provides advice, drafting and advocacy services to a wide range of clients from the UK and abroad, including businesses, private individuals, charities, national governments, local authorities and other public bodies.

European Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year

Tonninger Schermaier Maierhofer & Partner Rechtsanwälte (TSMP) provides sound legal advice in all areas of commercial law, with a primary focus on Intellectual Property Law. Dr. Bernhard Tonninger, who leads the IP-team, is author of scientific articles and contributor to major commentaries in the area of trademark and copyright law as well as in the field of unfair competition and advertising law. He and his team give scientific lectures at different universities in Austria addressing law students as well as legal practitioners on a regular basis.

TSMP describe themselves as follows: “Tonninger Schermaier Maierhofer & Partner Rechtsanwälte (TSMP) is a young, dynamic law firm with an international orientation in Vienna. Our main focus is direct and personal contact with our clients.”

“For us, it’s not just about well-founded answers to legal questions. The resolution of legal issues often requires understanding the economic background, comprehensive thinking, and thinking “outside the box” together with the client. We offer the best interdisciplinary solutions with qualified specialists (e.g. tax advisors, communication or management consultants, patent attorneys, architects, etc.) for every situation.”

“We have the experience and specialisation of a big law firm, and our customised team can provide advice at the highest level. Because of our structure, we are able to offer flexible, tailor-made, cost efficient solutions for our clients.”

“Our clients benefit from the fact that we are both internation¬ally and nationally well connected. On the one hand, we

work with two international law firm networks. On the other hand, through our membership in national organisations, especially the Austrian Senate of Economy, we have access to decision makers in national economy and politics.”

“Together with our clients, we gladly face new and exciting challenges, while guiding them through the implementation of various projects. We work ambitiously every day to earn the trust of our clients.”

“TSMP provides sound legal advice in all areas of commercial law. We take into account the financial situation of our clients and provide tailor-made solutions. The following areas of law are our primary focus: • Banking and Finance • Civil Law • Contract Law • Corporate and Business Law • Infrastructure • Intellectual Property (design and trademark rights), Copyright • IT Law/E-Commerce and New Media • Litigation • Mergers & Acquisitions • Real Estate • Unfair Competition Law (UWG), Advertising Law • White Collar Criminal Defence” Tonninger Schermaier Maierhofer & Partner Rechtsanwälte (TSMP) Email: office@tsm-law.at Address: Rilkeplatz 8 , 1040 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 (0)1 218 44 40

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80 | 2014 Legal Awards

Best Corporate Law Firm - Channel Islands

Walkers is a leading International Financial Centre law firm and a member of the International Financial Centres Forum (IFC Forum). From our offices in the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Dubai, Dublin, Hong Kong, Jersey, London and Singapore, we provide legal services to FORTUNE 100 and FTSE 100 global corporations and financial institutions, capital markets participants, investment fund managers and middle market companies.

Walkers Email: info@walkersglobal.com Web: www.walkersglobal.com Address: PO Box 72, Walker House, 28-34 Hill Street, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 8PN Channel Islands Phone: +44 (0)1534 700 700

Our global presence means we are always accessible to our clients in all time zones.

Walkers’ Jersey office was established in July 2006 by merger with one of the oldest and most reputable law firms in Jersey, Crills Advocates. Led by Jonathan Heaney, our Jersey office is a full service law firm, providing advice on all aspects of Jersey law with particular emphasis on matters of corporate and finance law, investment funds, litigation and trusts.

We also advise on British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands corporate, finance and investment funds matters.

Jersey is located in the English Channel and is the largest of the Channel Islands, which are dependencies of the British Crown. Jersey is 15 miles from the Normandy coast of France and south east of Guernsey.

Best for Environmental Consultancy - South Africa

WardKarlson Consulting Group (WKC) is an environmental consultancy that places significant scientific capability at the heart of its business philosophy.

WKC Group is an internationally recognised Environmental Consultancy specialising in the delivery of air quality, marine modelling and acoustic services. Collectively WKC’s consultants have over 100 years of experience in these fields, which we provide to clients worldwide for internal purposes, governmental approvals, or new project financing. WKC is active globally, with a particularly strong track record in the Middle East region and Africa.

WKC operates from three offices located in the UAE, South Africa and Australia. Their full range of environmental services includes: • Air quality assessment • Noise and vibration assessment • Marine modelling (hydrodynamic modelling, oil spill assessment, sediment modelling) • Best Available Techniques (BAT) assessment • Permit Application Package (permitting in Saudi Arabia) • Carbon foot-printing WKC’s reputation is founded on their commitment to provide highly qualified professionals on a competitive basis, and they fully recognise the importance of expedient delivery without compromising quality. WKC’s professionals have an in-depth knowledge of all elements of oil and gas exploration, production and refining, petrochemicals, power and other heavy industry, having collectively completed over 100 noise, marine and air quality impact assessments within the Middle East region and Africa.

Noise and Vibration Assessment WKC has arguably the longest track record of providing acoustic services in the Middle East and Africa. They have significant capability and experience of the following: • Measurement and assessment of noise from industrial and other sources against relevant regulatory criteria Prediction of noise levels from a proposed project using screening tools • • Delivery of acoustic modelling studies using the internationally recognised SoundPLAN software • Professional advice on engineering noise control solutions to reduce noise issues • Produce noise management plans and procedures for the control

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of noisy operations, implement best available techniques (BAT) and manage complaints procedures WKC also has a significant track record of Acoustically Induced Vibration (AIV) and Fluid Induced Vibration (FIV) assessments during project design, using internationally recognised methodologies advocated by CONCAWE and the Energy Institute (EI).

Air Quality Assessment With over 50 collective years of experience, WKC consultants and have one of the most established track records of providing air quality services in the Middle East and Africa. WKC professionals are fully versed in the application of mainstream dispersion models, including AERMOD, ADMS and ADMS Roads, EDMS (air transportation emissions) and CALPUFF. Their main air quality services can be summarised as follows: • Ambient monitoring programmes (baseline and compliance monitoring) • Emission inventories • Air dispersion modelling • BAT Assessment Marine Modelling WKC is a leading provider of marine modelling services, using a range of internationally recognised models to investigate the fate and behaviour of wastewater effluent discharges into surface waters, fate modelling for oil spill, dredge and drill cuttings. WKC applies CORMIX and the GEMS modelling systems which include: • GCOM3D, an advanced, z-coordinate three-dimensional, ocean-circulation model PLUME3D, an integrated, high-resolution 3D plume dispersion model • • DREDGE3D, is applied for simulating the specific fate of particles discharged during dredging • OILTRAK3D, designed to simulate the fate of various oil types when spilled into the marine environment WardKarlson Consulting Group (WKC) Email: info@wkcgroup.com Web: www.wkcgroup.com Address: PO Box 971, Ballito, KZN South Africa Phone: +27 (0)32 946 0461

2014 Legal Awards | 81

Best for Capital Markets - Washington D.C.

White & Case works with some of the world’s most respected and well-established banks and businesses, as well as startup visionaries, governments and state-owned entities The ability to raise funds necessary for growth is critical to virtually every company. For decades, the global capital markets team at White & Case has been dedicated to structuring transactions that allow companies to realize their objectives.

Our global team works closely across the regions, where our “on the ground” knowledge of local markets and the political, regulatory and economic environments in which our clients operate, gives us an unrivalled familiarity with the intricate legal issues specific to those markets.

We advise on the full range of debt and equity transactions and have achieved a leading reputation for advising on “firsts” to market in difficult legal environments.

Practice Highlights Our global capital markets/securities practice includes lawyers in the world’s key financial centers including New York, London, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo. Clients can benefit from our extensive experience and capabilities in: • Equity offerings • Debt offerings • Sovereign issues • High yield • Securitization • Derivatives • Investment funds • Corporate trust • Regulatory • Broker-dealer Full Range of Services Groundbreaking and cutting-edge deals, as well as an impres-

Fire Safety Specialists of the Year - UK

Wilkinson Construction Consultants are a small family run business that believes in an ethical and sustainable future and are committed to becoming the company of choice for both our staff and our customers.

In the first two years of trading the company established itself as a thought leader within the construction industry and built up a small number of core clients. Due to overwhelming demand from our clients we applied to the CIC to become an Approved Inspector and were awarded our licence in 2011.

2014 sees us celebrate our 5th year in business - a period that has seen us feature on BBC TV, secure ISO 9001 & Exor accreditation and the award of “Fire Safety Specialist of the Year” two years running.

Unlike many of our competitors, our staff have a unique understanding of the entire construction process from feasibility, through design, construction and maintenance of facilities. We bring that experience to every service we offer and every project we work on. As a result we can fully explain the practical implications of our recommendations, and have close working relationships with the fire authorities.

Ideally we are brought in during the design phase of the project, however we are not always brought in at an early stage and have acted instead as expert witnesses in cases where things have gone wrong. One such case involved substantial losses to a listed building which had been undergoing refurbishment work at the time of the fire. Wilkinsons were appointed on behalf of the insurer and advised on the standards expected of a competent contractor and what had gone wrong in this case leading to the fire. Our clients in that

sive client portfolio, have all contributed to a reputation as a leading international capital markets practice. Global investment banks, sovereign clients and issuers regularly call on our experience to support them in complex cross-border transactions.

The strength of the practice can be seen in both the size of our worldwide team and the variety of deals we complete. Our experience spans a broad range of products, including initial public offerings, domestic and international offerings, private placements, structured credit products, convertible bonds, debt programs, high yield and sovereign bond issuances.

Delivering the Full Service Your Transaction Demands As the capital markets evolve, more and more deal structures require experience and capabilities in multiple areas of law.

Working with other practices within White & Case, we bring the necessary knowledge (whether it be tax, environmental, intellectual property or project structures) to complete the most complex transactions. Using these resources, our lawyers are committed to delivering the highest quality legal services in the most efficient manner possible.

Guiding You through Ongoing Issues Given today’s complex regulatory environment, companies must focus an increasing amount of attention on issues related to corporate governance and ongoing reporting requirements. Our global presence puts us at a unique advantage of understanding the obligations in various jurisdictions, and allows us to provide you with the comprehensive advice critical to guiding you through the maze of regulations that you may face.

White & Case Address: 701 Thirteenth Street, NW Washington, DC 20005-3807 USA Phone: + 1 202 626 3600 Web: www.whitecase.com

case Weightmans said: “The case was complex and had some very tight deadlines, and we were very impressed with the service received from Wilkinsons.” Another of our clients Kim Franklin, of Crown Office Chambers, said: “I must say Wilkinson’s report is excellent and will save an enormous amount of time.”

More recently we were appointed by Teacher Stern LLP as Expert Witness in a case involving a claim and counterclaim for £9.5m arising out of a fire in a property in Pimlico which had been converted to flats. We advised on the standards expected under building regulations for the performance of a floor for both fire and sound resistance, attending site at short notice to witness testing and exploratory works and provided expert opinion on the failure and probable cause.

Wilkinson Construction Consultants Name: Geoffrey Wilkinson Email: office@thebuildinginspector.org Web: www.thebuildinginspector.org Address: Suite 31, 60 Churchill Square Business Centre, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4YU Phone: +44 01732 523466

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Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices (ACCRALAW) is a cohesive multi-disciplinary team of legal professionals who possess in-depth knowledge in specialized fields of law, backed by extensive experience of over forty years in the practice of law in the Philippines. From a core group of seven lawyers at its inception in 1972, the Firm has grown to a prestigious service organization of over 140 lawyers and over 140 non-legal personnel. Its principal offices are in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila, and it has branches in thriving business commercial centers in the Visayas and Mindanao Cebu City and Davao City.

CONTACT PERSONS

The Firm has an excellent track record in handling diverse, significant and complex business projects and transactions for both local and multinational clients, and has been involved in landmark litigation cases.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT Alex Ferdinand S. Fider <asfider@accralaw.com> John Paul M. Gaba <jmgaba@accralaw.com>

ACCRALAW’s clientele represents the full spectrum of business and industry, and includes professional organizations and individuals. Servicing the Firm’s clients are seven practice departments and two branches, which offer timely, creative and strategic legal solutions matched with cost efficient administration and expert handling of clients’ requirements.

HEAD OFFICE ACCRALAW TOWER 2nd Avenue corner 30th Street, Crescent Park West, Bonifacio Global City, 0399 Taguig, Metro Manila, PHILIPPINES Tel. No.: (632) 830-8000 Fax Nos.: (632) 403-7007; 403-7009 E-mail: accra@accralaw.com Website: www.accralaw.com CEBU CITY BRANCH OFFICE 6/F Cebu Holdings Center Building Cebu Business Park (Ayala), 6000 Cebu City, PHILIPPINES Tel. Nos.: (6332) 231-4223; (6332) 231-1449 (6332) 231-1032; (6332) 231-4266 Fax No.: (6332) 231-3614 E-mail: accralawcebu@accralaw.com DAVAO CITY BRANCH OFFICE 11/F Pryce Tower, Pryce Business Park, J.P. Laurel Avenue, 8000 Davao City, PHILIPPINES Tel. Nos.: (6382) 224-0996; (6382) 224-0998; (6382) 224-0984 Fax No.: (6382) 224-0983 E-mail: accradavao@accralaw.com

MANAGING PARTNER Emerico O. De Guzman <eodeguzman@accralaw.com> CO-MANAGING PARTNER Regina Padilla Geraldez <rpgeraldez@accralaw.com> RETAINER DEPARTMENT Josephine Alessandra G. Cochico <jgcochico@accralaw.com> Brigida S. Aldeguer <bsaldeguer@accralaw.com>

CORPORATE AND SPECIAL PROJECTS DEPARTMENT Eusebio V. Tan <evtan@accralaw.com> Judy Hao <jhao@accralaw.com> Andre B. Navato, Jr. <abnavatojr@accralaw.com> CORPORATE SERVICES GROUP Brigida S. Aldeguer <bsaldeguer@accralaw.com> Joselito M. Bautista <jbautista@accralaw.com> LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT DEPARTMENT Ernesto R. Añasco <eranasco@accralaw.com> Joy Anne C. Leong-Pambid < jcleong@accralaw.com> LITIGATION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION DEPARTMENT Ramon G. Samson <rgsamson@accralaw.com> Creselda G. Baldonado <cgbaldonado@accralaw.com> TAX DEPARTMENT Ruby Rose J. Yusi <rjyusi@accralaw.com> Eric R. Recalde <errecalde@accralaw.com> IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT Regina P. Geraldez <rpgeraldez@accralaw.com> CEBU CITY BRANCH Jefferson M. Marquez <jmmarquez@accralaw.com> Ma. Iolanda B. Abella <ibabella@accralaw.com> DAVAO CITY BRANCH Enrique M.O. Diola, Jr. <eodiolajr@accralaw.com> Glenn C. Aquino <gcaquino@accralaw.com>

SETTING THE PACE OF EXCELLENCE IN THE PRACTICE OF LAW

Tonucci & Partners Tonucci & Partners is an international law firm with offices in Rome, Milan, Padua, Florence, Bucharest and Tirana.

Tonucci & Partners is one of the largest Italian independent firms.

Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Rome, the firm’s operations and practices are international.

Tonucci & Partners’s six offices in Italy, Romania and Albania ensure that domestic and foreign clients have access to prompt, reliable and customized legal services for their Italian and Eastern European activities. Additionally, we have consolidated working relationships with leading foreign global law firms with offices in the most important markets in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Through this network Tonucci & Partners’s clients have direct access to local market expertise on a truly global basis.

Tonucci & Partners’ work focuses on complex cross-border and multi-jurisdictional transactions and litigation. We have significant experience in corporate and financial transactions; civil, criminal and administrative litigation; public tenders and procurements; telecommunications and information technology; EU and antitrust matters; employment; and tax. Tonucci & Partners has also acted as legal advisor in major privatizations in the banking and telecommunication industries in Italy and abroad. Our client base includes domestic and foreign corporations active in a wide range of industries, financial institutions, governmental entities and individuals requiring personal legal services.

Tonucci & Partners’ lawyers include professionals admitted to practice in Italy, Romania, Albania, England and Wales and New York.

Several of our lawyers have received post-graduate legal education and training abroad and have previously worked for other leading international law firms, multinational corporations and financial institutions. The firm encourages the academic activities of its lawyers and many of them hold university teaching positions.

Tonucci & Partners’ working languages are Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, Romanian and Albanian.

Tonucci & Partners’ geographic reach, the quality and experience of its lawyers and its diverse client base make it an ideal partner in finding legal solutions tailored to each client’s individual requirements. The firm’s mission is to look beyond the legal aspects and help clients meet the challenges of their continuously evolving businesses.

mail@tonucci.com

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