Telecommunications: UK-wide

Baker & McKenzie's excellent telecommunications practitioners enjoy a reputation that is commensurate with the firm's global standing, running important, high-value deals and litigious cases from its London office. This joined-up team handles regulatory actions and commercial, contractual and M&A deals with equal aplomb. The firm's client list is a roll-call of global giants at the cutting-edge of the industry, including 3, Google, Telefónica, O2 and Vodafone.

Client Service “They are focused, responsive and attentive.”

Commercial Awareness “They offer highly constructive solutions.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Strivens heads the practice group in the firm's London office. He advises UK mobile and fixed-line operators on regulatory problems and commercial and corporate deals, as well as on their expansion into overseas and developing markets. A notable highlight was his leadership of the team advising Neutral Tandem on the acquisition of Italian-based carrier Tinet. Robbie Downing advises on regulatory and competition matters and takes a keen interest in e-commerce and privacy law. He is a key part of the team advising Arqiva on pioneering issues in telecoms and broadcast regulation. Duncan Reid-Thomas is known for his excellent work for Arqiva and other heavyweight broadcasting clients on commercial contracts, TV and radio network access and negotiations with regulatory bodies. Steve Holmes has developed a good name in the market and is felt to be an expert in commercial deals concerning outsourcing, roaming arrangements and the distribution of content using new technologies. Keith Jones is a litigator of choice for market-leading clients facing proceedings before the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT), where he has contributed to landmark cases regarding mobile call termination and pay TV rights. The "incredibly bright" Richard Pike is "someone you want on your team," sources say, equipped as he is with "great commercial sense, as well as magisterial academic knowledge."

This "strong and balanced" team engages in the full spectrum of telecommunications work in the UK and throughout the world, covering outsourcings, multi-jurisdictional commercial deals and regulatory disputes. Sources note that it has a "long-standing and well-deserved reputation" for being "true sector specialists." The team has recently seen an upturn in corporate deals arising out of market consolidation in overseas markets. One of the firm's greatest achievements over the past year was its involvement in the creation of the Everything Everywhere joint venture, advising on the integration of the Orange mobile network with that shared by T-Mobile and Hutchison 3G.

Commercial Awareness “The team is highly innovative and has a strong focus on the TMT market. It's the genuine article.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Rhys Williams has a superb profile for leading on complex advisory projects helping fledgling enterprises navigate difficult regulatory frameworks. "Commercial, able and flexible" Graeme Maguire draws praise from all corners. He was deeply involved in the networking sharing arrangements necessary for the formation of Everything Everywhere and has a keen interest in IT-telecoms convergence, satellite and spectrum issues. Allan Sanderson used to be part of the in-house legal team at BT and is, therefore, felt to be "steeped in the world of telecommunications." He is a go-to figure for major telecoms clients seeking an edge in commercial and contractual disputes. Consultant Colin Long moved to Bird & Bird after a stint at Olswang. As "a real gentleman" with huge sector-specific expertise, he advises key clients on all aspects of telecommunications, including developments in emerging markets.

Herbert Smith is characterised by the efficiency with which the various departments co-ordinate their activities to give clients the benefits of a full service offering. As adept in commercial and regulatory work as it is in M&A deals, the firm goes from strength to strength in the telecommunications sector, as recognised by its ascent to the top of the rankings. Among the firm's clients are fixed and mobile operators such as BSkyB and Vodafone, vendors Ericsson and Nokia and regulatory bodies in the UK and abroad.

Commercial Awareness “A very clued-up bunch. They tend to do their own advocacy as well, which is obviously a key strength.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nick Elverston runs the firm's global TMT practice and is perceived as a leader in his sector. His client list reads like a directory of the worldwide telecommunications market, all of which seek his advice on a variety of competition and regulatory matters. Among his many highlights, he acted for Bharti Airtel in the USD10.7 billion acquisition of the African businesses of Kuwaiti telecoms group Zain. He also advised Tata Communication on the development of an undersea cable network in the Gulf region. Elizabeth McKnight is roundly praised as a "superb, thorough and intelligent lawyer." Now a consultant for the firm, she is one of the most respected figures in the market and is a seasoned litigator before the CAT. The "intelligent, meticulous and strategically minded" Stephen Wisking is recommended for his skill at commercial litigation and contentious competition proceedings. A measure of his standing is in the fact that he is a leading adviser to Vodafone.

As with the other firms in the top band, Olswang maintains its position by undertaking the most significant deals and instructions across the full range of services required by leading telecommunications businesses, including competition, commercial, regulatory, M&A, IP and dispute resolution matters. Historically strong in the UK, the team has for some time been looking to expand its sphere of operations and has done so successfully, an example being its position as Belgacom's main European regulatory litigation adviser. Sources consider the group to be both "top-notch" and "true sector specialists.” 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Bratby is, according to feedback, "a responsive partner who is excellent to work with" and "really knows what he's doing." His practice characterises the team in general, covering corporate, sector-specific commercial and regulatory work. He recently advised an industry consortium including Cable & Wireless and Virgin Media on a successful dispute before Ofcom with BT, securing an order for repayment of more than £40 million. Purvi Parekh advised Cable & Wireless on the rolling out of mobile services in Costa Rica. Sources praise her negotiating skills.

According to market sources, this team has gone from strength to strength over the past few years and, having expanded its talent pool significantly, it has consolidated its name as a solid group of telecommunications specialists. At home, the team's stature is shown by its place on BT's legal panel, while abroad it has strong relationships with foreign law firms and so is often the linchpin of multinational legal teams. 

Commercial Awareness “CMS Cameron McKenna has done a strong job of building in-depth expertise.” 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Competition law expert Chris Watson is a "genuine sector stalwart and innovator" and has been at the helm of the firm's efforts to develop its telecoms practice. His ability to speak several European languages lends his practice a healthy international flavour. Joanne Wheeler's move from Millbank Tweed in 2010 has proved to be a real coup for the firm. She is felt to be a top practitioner in the field of satellite communications, as evidenced by her recent appointment to represent the UK satellite and space sector at the Legal Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

This strong practice group covers all the bases of commercial, corporate, regulatory and network infrastructure projects work for a range of operators, vendors and media clients. It is a broad-based group that stretches across the firm's departments. The group has been involved in many of the industry's most exciting projects over the past year, such as advising Olympic Broadcasting Services on the London 2012 Olympics, as well as the Everything Everywhere joint mobile phone venture. 

Client Service “We have been with Field Fisher Waterhouse for a number of years and have always received exemplary service.”

Commercial Awareness "Simon Briskman always delivers in time. He wrapped up negotiations quickly and successfully."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The steady rise of Nicholas Pimlott in the market is felt to have continued unabated. His recent work highlights have included advising Level 3 Communications on regulatory matters involving net neutrality and IP peering, as well as acting for Olympic Broadcasting Services in relation to telecoms issues surrounding the London Olympics. A "top-notch choice" for telecoms outsourcings, Simon Briskman thrives on network acquisitions and roll-outs. He advised the EBRD on mobile voice and data provision.

Linklaters acts for a distinguished list of telecommunications clients and it is prominent in major telecoms M&A and capital finance deals. The team also performs follow-on regulatory work arising from such deals and advises market-leading operators on competition law and regulatory frameworks in both domestic and overseas jurisdictions.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Marly Didizian is the firm's global practice co-head and she is well known in the market for her experience of outsourcings, commercial contracts and regulatory regimes. Promising partner Julian Cunningham-Day is blazing a trail in the sector, advising on the commercial, regulatory and technical ramifications of his clients' headline telecoms transactions.

This excellent boutique operation has an incredibly strong position in the telecommunications market. The lawyers here understand telecoms technology and its developments to a degree not easily matched elsewhere. The team's principal focus is on negotiating commercial contracts and advising cutting-edge businesses, as well as government agencies, in Europe, the Middle East and farther afield.

Client Service “Their professionalism of advice and responsiveness is of the highest calibre. They listen to us and know which points to take forward and fight over." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Daniel Preiskel is showered with praise by market sources for his "understanding of the business rationale, technology and strategy of each new deal." Sources also value that he "goes the extra mile for clients" and operates with "a true sense of care for our business." Ronnie Preiskel is "prompt, practical and doesn't mess around," feedback suggests. His background as a former Vodafone executive and CEO of a European telecoms company is considered invaluable. He recently advised the government of the Bahamas on the introduction of new communications law and the privatisation of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company.

The wider TMT sector is one of this firm's core areas of focus. Using expertise in corporate telecoms transactions and drafting commercial contracts, the team advises giants such as China Telecom and France Telecom/Orange Business Solutions. Most members of the team have done stints or secondments at client companies, gaining experience that adds to the firm's appeal as an adviser.

Commercial Awareness “They work with the industry associations and so are very up-to-date.” 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources describe Tom Wheadon as "a pleasure to work with." He heads both the firm’s TMT and information and communications technology practices, advising clients such as Avaya and Lebara. "Magnificent" Alexander Brown has an impressive array of deals under his belt, one being his representation of TiVo in deals with TV operators in Spain and Scandinavia over the licensing of next-generation technology. Andrew McMillan has hit the ground running since joining the firm from Ashurst at the beginning of 2010. A recent highlight of his was advising UK Broadband on the acquisition of five WiMAX spectrum licences from Daisy Group.  

Allen & Overy has a richly deserved reputation for high-quality work in transactional and corporate finance matters for major telecoms players, such as in a refinancing and demerger deal for Cable & Wireless. The team is also acknowledged for the quality of its commercial and litigious work for TMT titans such as Amazon and BSkyB.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Claire Wright is widely respected for her considerable grasp of regulatory regimes and her expertise in contracts for the sale and the purchase of telecommunication and technology systems, equipment and services, as well as network agreements.

This practice prides itself on its full service, multidisciplinary approach that covers M&A, financing and commercial and contractual advice. This growing team is at the forefront of developments such as the roll-out of electronic smart metres, UK broadband and pay TV. The firm has an important international focus, with a particular interest in markets in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Dhana Doobay heads the communications practice and has an emphasis on providing commercial and regulatory advice. She enjoys a strong relationship with Virgin Mobile and played a crucial role in the company's recent mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) agreement with T-Mobile.

This firm's telecommunications offering covers all the bases and acts for an array of market providers, such as in the fixed-line, mobile, satellite and supplies sectors. The team engages in corporate transactional work, competition advice and technical commercial agreements. The team has an impressive presence in the Middle East and counts the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Bahrain and Gateway Gulf among its clients.

Client Service “The team is responsive, amenable and makes itself available as best it can."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Smart operator" Mark Moncreiffe played a key part in advising a committee set up by the Bahamian Government on its privatisation of Bahamas Telecommunications. He is also the team's relationship partner for Cable & Wireless and Virgin Media. Andrew Sharpe is a seasoned veteran of many contractual disputes and has advised on the competition and regulatory climate in African, Caribbean and Middle Eastern jurisdictions. Vanessa Barnett recently joined the firm from Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP. She is a digital media lawyer at the vanguard of her field's convergence with broader telecommunications issues. She has been advising clients on the Digital Economy Act.

Clifford Chance has a good name in the telecommunications sector for its input on M&A and commercial deals. As well as advising TMT companies and their lenders, the team has been increasingly acting for private equity firms looking to invest strongly in the area. The group also engages in significant non-transactional work, including acting for Inmarsat on competition and regulatory issues.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joachim Fleury is head of the firm's global TMT group. A leading corporate lawyer, he focuses on joint ventures, M&A and private equity transactions in the industry. Regulation and competition law specialist Jenine Hulsmann is a trusted adviser on high-value matters, as illustrated by her work on the merger of T- Mobile UK with Orange UK. 

This team is recognised for proficiency with, and understanding of, the technology, infrastructure and specific requirements of telecommunications companies. In addition to helping clients weather the regulatory climate, the team's day-to-day work includes roll-outs, infrastructure investment and fibre capacity agreements.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Neil Brown is variously praised as a "good tactician who is disciplined in his approach," "thorough and attentive" and "a useful source of information." Clients are especially pleased with his deep knowledge of complex technical developments that are crucial to their businesses.

This team sells itself on its capability to handle strategic planning for clients, including heavyweight finance and corporate deals, debt compliance issues and major litigation. The team also provides important antitrust, competition and regulatory work. The firm was instructed by Vodafone in the disposal of a £4 billion stake in China Mobile. Freshfields also takes justifiable pride in being the sole magic circle legal provider to BT.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Accomplished sector specialist and deal maker Natasha Good has a truly international practice, acting for clients such as MTN. Closer to home, she advised BT on agreements with set-top box producers.

This TMT boutique continues to win admirers for its wide-ranging practice, advising on issues such as IT and digital media. Commercial, infrastructure, outsourcing and regulatory instructions are the bread and butter of this team. Highlights include acting for Algo Technologies in a joint venture with AlgoSpan.   

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Kemp is at the forefront of the firm's work on technology convergence in the telecommunications sector. He is the team's relationship manager for T-Mobile.

Mayer Brown houses a dynamic telecommunications practice that is well served by team members with experience of working in-house at leading TMT enterprises. The team assists market leaders such as Inmarsat, Virgin Media and Vodafone on all manner of issues, from corporate deals and regulatory actions to outsourcing and IP advice.

Client Service “Mayer Brown provide an excellent service - nothing is ever a problem.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Dickinson heads the corporate and outsourcing groups in London and leads the firm's European telecommunications sector group. A "constructive and forceful presence," he is "someone you want in the room when a deal's being done."

This well-respected, mid-market firm enjoys a strong reputation nationally and, with offices in London, Reading and Bristol, it is ideally placed to support the technology industry along the M4 corridor. The team's reach also extends beyond the UK as the firm expands its market presence in Germany. The team enjoyed a notable victory on behalf of Talk Talk in successfully appealing Ofcom's decision to allow BT to increase wholesale broadband prices.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Angus Finnegan is highly sought after for his expert knowledge of MVNOs, network infrastructure arrangements and outsourcings. He has been advising Viacloud on the company's forthcoming roll-out of UK mobile services.

This telecommunications team in London specialises in corporate transactions, regulatory work and commercial deals ranging from capacity swaps to network outsourcings and procurements. The current spate of patent litigation concerning online services for smartphones has been keeping the team busy. It also successfully lent its expertise to a client bidding for a stake in Zambia Telecom, an indication of the practice's global outlook.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Roderick Kirwan "knows the market inside out," according to sources. Over the past year, he has been at the heart of infrastructure projects for Vodafone, EADS and Nokia.

This compact but highly expert firm has carved out a commanding niche in the market. Focusing exclusively on commercial and regulatory work within the telecommunications sector, the firm counts Cable & Wireless Worldwide, Orange Home UK and the UK Competitive Telecommunications Association among its clients. Sources describe the firm as “an excellent regulatory boutique."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Outstanding practitioner" Paul Brisby is thoroughly steeped in regulatory and competition regimes affecting the telecommunications industry, having served as regulatory counsel of One2One (now T-Mobile), OnCue Telecom and COLT before taking up the baton at Towerhouse.

Arnold & Porter is a respected name in telecommunications for the quality of the regulatory and competition work undertaken by the team. The practice's reach extends beyond the UK to a number of overseas markets.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Ryan leads the group and is relationship partner to TELUS. He is praised for his deep understanding of technical issues and different regulatory regimes. 

Arthur Cox's Belfast office commands respect within the sector as the firm to go to for telecoms instructions in Northern Ireland. In overseas markets, the team advises Mobitel Slovenia on EU competition law and acts for the Dublin Airport Authority in the procurement of mobile communications services at Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Curran is admitted to practice on both sides of the Irish border and has extensive experience advising government bodies and telecoms companies on regulatory issues, the procurement of equipment, systems and software, and all manner of contract agreements.

This team is well known for the telecoms-related outsourcing and IT work it performs, as well as for the expert commercial and technical support it provides to telecoms clients and large corporations in the sector. Tesco and Tesco Mobile feature among a distinguished roll call of loyal clients.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Chapman is a key contact at the firm.

Since publication, Vanessa Barnett has joined Charles Russell LLP.

This joined-up TMT practice assists household name clients such as COLT and Telefónica O2 as well as public sector bodies on a range of commercial, corporate, IP and regulatory concerns. The team is noted for its strength in the Balkans and South Eastern Europe, where privatisation of the telecoms sector has been growing apace.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The arrival of the "bright and client-friendly" Mike Conradi from Kemp Little has been a real fillip for the firm by increasing its telecoms expertise.

Jones Day enters the rankings this year on the strength of the commercial, contract disputes and outsourcing licensing work it handles for clients in this sector. The team has been dealing with a number of high-stakes disputes over the past year, one example being its representation of Digicel in a High Court claim against Cable & Wireless concerning mobile and fixed-line networks in several Caribbean countries. 

Client Service “They are always ready to go the extra mile and understand the needs of customers.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nicholas Cotter is as commended for the strength of his written advice as he is for his skills as an arbiter and litigator. 

Norton Rose continues to grow its telecoms team and is felt to be increasing its focus on the sector. Recent matters of interest include advising a consortium of telecoms companies and private equity houses on the proposed acquisition of Greek mobile operator Wind Hellas. The group also advised Arqiva on a capacity-sharing arrangement with the BBC.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mike Rebeiro is a key contact.

This magic circle firm draws together experts from a variety of practice areas and industry sectors to provide a co-ordinated service for telecoms clients. The firm is best known in the telecoms world for its hard-hitting work facilitating major transactions and for undertaking heavyweight litigation. A triumph for the firm was its victory for Cable & Wireless in a dispute with Digicel in the High Court.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeff Twentyman is a key contact.

Taylor Wessing is perhaps best known in this field for the advice it provides to telecoms companies on patent issues, although it is also highly adept at mainstream commercial, corporate and regulatory matters. The firm benefits from a spread of offices nationwide, with its Cambridge base being a particularly useful resource for high-tech businesses. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Len Murray is noted by market sources for his talent as a litigator in regulatory and public law disputes.

This firm is known in the sector chiefly for high-profile corporate and capital finance transactions, as well as work involving emerging markets. It also handles regulatory issues, a case in point being its instruction by ictQATAR, Qatar's telecommunications regulator, concerning the implementation of a major satellite project.

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Eisenberg leads the telecommunications team and is highly thought of for his advice on corporate deals, restructurings and regulatory regimes. Christopher Utting advises sponsors, governments and lenders on large international financings in the sector. His recent work has demonstrated an emphasis on markets in the Middle East and Africa.