Edward Braham impresses with his "strong client-handling skills" and ability to take "control of a transaction." He recently assisted with a EUR7.1 billion deal for client Hewlett-Packard.

Now senior partner, Will Lawes has undertaken many managerial responsibilities. He is described by sources as "a fantastic operator and masterful fellow."

Barry O'Brien was lead partner on a EUR1.5 billion transaction for Northern Rock and UK Financial Investments. Sources say it is "always good fun doing a deal with him."

Mark Rawlinson has been hailed by clients as "very capable and obviously very skilled." He is also described as "a class act" and "always very pragmatic and commercial."

"Leader" and "high-quality individual" Julian Long co-led Project Sunrise, a multi-jurisdictional deal involving the sale of Nycomed Group by a private equity consortium steered by Nordic Capital and Credit Suisse.

Claire Wills is "very sensible and very good to deal with." She has been lead partner on numerous deals for Barclays Bank and also has a long-standing relationship with Tesco and Citi Venture Capital International.

Pratap Amin notably stands out for his knowledge and experience of the Indian market. He regularly advises the likes of BP and Danone on their corporate activities in the jurisdiction.

Bruce Embley's broad international outlook has resulted in a diverse jurisdictional expertise, particularly in both Qatar and South Africa. He represented Qatar Holding in its acquisition of an SPV holding freehold and leasehold interests in London's Canary Wharf.

Frank Miller leads the team's Israel group. He advised Tene Capital in the sale of its stake in Netafim to Permira.

James Wood was previously based in the firm's Tokyo office. He maintains significant ties to the jurisdiction and regularly assists clients with Japanese matters.

Patrick Ko returned to the London office after spending several years working in the UAE. He advises private equity firms on their UAE activities. Of note, he assisted EFG Hermes with its joint USD445 million bid for Damas.

David Sonter is the corporate country partner for Brazil. He has completed transactions with the likes of Ultrapar in the jurisdiction.

Competition specialist Andrea Gomes da Silva is also noted for her Brazilian country expertise.

Asli Karagozoglu is qualified in New York and Turkey. She focuses on M&A transactions.

Qualified in South Africa, the UK and the Netherlands, Shawn der Kinderen is "a brilliant, business-oriented lawyer who continues to impress," sources say.

Qualified in France and the UK, Alan Mason gains plaudits for his "perfectly bilingual practice and ability to fuse cultures and legal landscapes." Clients also praise the restructuring experience which he brings to public and private M&A deals.

The firm is also noted for its particular expertise in corporate matters concerning Canada and Kazakhstan.

Since publication, Andrea Gomes da Silva has moved in-house.

With extensive expertise in the mining industry, Charles Jacobs has been hailed as "a leading individual." He has notable experience advising on matters across Africa, and regularly leads the firm's activities in the region.

With an "outstanding reputation," Richard Godden has been referred to by clients as "one of their standout performers."

Global head of corporate Jeremy Parr is a highly rated lawyer. He led the team advising Lloyds TSB on a variety of issues including the acquisition of HBOS.

Owen Clay is described as being "very sensible and very able - he will be one of their real stars." He co-leads the energy and utilities practice for the firm.

Consultant David Cheyne brings over 30 years of experience to the table. He remains an important figure for the firm and is described as a "very impressive guy."

Sandeep Katwala heads the firm's notably strong Indian desk. He is noted for his experience in completing transactions in the jurisdiction.

Paul McNicholl's time in the Tokyo office marks him out as a Japanese expert. He also stands out for his Indian market expertise, with clients regularly citing his knowledge of the jurisdiction.

Dominic Sanders was previously based in Linklaters' Moscow office. He continues to have an influential presence in the Russian market and provides valuable support on cross-border transactions. His language skills and experience are a huge advantage in tough negotiations.

Nick Garland returned to the London office having spent many years in the UAE. He advised Alshaya, a Kuwaiti retailer, on the purchase of La Senza's assets.

India expert Savi Hebbur led the firm's advice to Reliance Industries on a joint venture between its subsidiary, Reliance Brands, and the Iconix Brands Group.

Managing associate Manila Rainò is dual-qualified in Italy and England and Wales, and often handles works with an Italian element. She is particularly active in the energy sector and was part of the team that assisted Antin Infrastructure Partners with the acquisition of a photovoltaic plant from Italian company Kinexia. 

Managing associate Charlotte Demegård divides her time between the London and Stockholm offices advising clients on employment matters in both locations.

Sources regularly point to the firm's experience in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, noting particular expertise when it comes to completing transactions in Serbia, Turkey and Kazakhstan.

Nigel Boardman holds a stellar reputation, and is praised by one client as "one of the best legal advisers I have worked with." Boardman has broad experience across a range of practice areas including M&A, restructuring and sports law.

Stephen Cooke has been described as "a good technical lawyer, who brings a dose of commercial reality to the technical nuances of corporate transactions." Clients praise his "good judgement" and "attentive client care." He played a key role in advising Autonomy on the bid by Hewlett-Packard.

Sources agree that Frances Murphy is "first-class." She recently acted on behalf of Henderson Group on its acquisition of Gartmore Group.

Charles Randell has extensive experience in corporate M&A and is also active in public sector work and energy-related issues. He has advised high-profile clients such as Apollo Management and HM Treasury.

William Underhill has acted for numerous corporate clients on a broad spectrum of deals and advisory transactions. He specialises in M&A and securities matters.

Clients are "consistently impressed" with Andy Ryde, describing him as "down- to-earth and practical, and he knows his stuff inside out." Recent highlights include advising Charter International on the recommended bid by Colfax.  

Jeffrey Twentyman is noted for his M&A skills. According to clients he is "sharp, very practical and commercial."

David Johnson has acted on behalf of numerous big-name companies, including GlaxoSmithKline and RBS Equity Finance. Peers are full of admiration for his "great" work.

Christopher Saul specialises in corporate work including M&A and joint ventures, securities transactions and private equity.

Gary Eaborn has been described as "an extremely good technical lawyer" and "a good negotiator." He is "definitely someone I want on my side," said one client. Eaborn recently advised Unilever on a number of issues including the sale of Sanex to Colgate-Palmolive.

Padraig Cronin previously headed the firm's operation in Hong Kong. He is regularly involved on the team's key China matters.

Thanks to its broad network of international 'best friends' the team regularly advises on matters in Italy, France and Russia, while also maintaining a significant Africa practice.

Mark Wippell is described as being "really strategic" and has special expertise in transactions involving US companies. Transactions involving financial institutions are another core feature of his practice.

Jeremy Parr is a corporate M&A specialist with a wide range of expertise. Clients are reassured by his "deep-seated knowledge," and further remark: "He is as much a consultant as a legal and trusted adviser." He is global co-head of Allen & Overy's energy group.

David Broadley has been a corporate partner since 2004. He specialises in public and private M&A. His clients include GE, Virgin Group and UBS.

Richard Cranfield is the global chairman of the corporate practice and has received high praise as "an excellent operator and an exceptional legal adviser." He has over 30 years' experience in M&A and in capital markets for equity financings.

Edward Barnett has extensive experience in cross-border M&A and financing transactions. He heads the Israel desk.

Swedish-qualified Lisa Göransson heads the team's Scandinavia desk, and often assists clients across the region.

Philipp Wahl co-heads the firm's Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) desk and is regularly involved in transactions in Ukraine and Russia.

Private equity and M&A expert Justin Steer is praised by clients as "energetic, knowledgeable and solution-oriented." He is qualified to practise in the Netherlands, South Africa and the UK.

Moscow office head Edwin Tham wins plaudits for his management skills and client-focused approach. A valuable M&A lawyer, he advises clients in the oil and gas, mining, manufacturing and financial sectors.

The team's notable reach also extends to Africa. The group is particularly active in Libya.

Timothy Lewis played a key role in the prominent acquisition of Arsenal Holdings on behalf of US client E. Stanley Kroenke. Clients have expressed confidence in his ability, noting: "He was excellent; he could take a hard line when necessary."

According to sources, David Pearson "has a great reputation with investment bankers." Recent highlights include advising CVC Capital Partners on its joint venture with Resource America, a deal involving USD7.5 billion in assets.

David Pudge has been recognised by clients as "very technical." He recently co-ordinated with teams in Madrid on a large deal advising Santander on the sale of its stake in Thames Water, the largest water company in the UK, to the Chinese Investment Corporation (CIC).

Joachim Fleury heads the firm's International Communications, Media & Technology practice and is a top choice for international M&A transactions in this sector. He has particular expertise in transactions concerning the Netherlands.

Kathy Honeywood is a key point of contact for clients seeking assistance with Asia-wide matters. She is particularly prevalent when it comes to assisting with transactions in China.

Private equity expert Kem Ihenacho is famed for his Africa-wide expertise. However, it is in Nigeria where his work really stands out.

Thijs Alexander spends the majority of his time in the Amsterdam office but is also regularly present in London. His private equity practice is highly regarded, and he often works on sponsored deals.

Clients describe James Palmer as "a quality practitioner," "solution-driven" and "always able to think outside the box." He recently co-led the team advising Pearson on a sale and a takeover.

David Paterson has been praised for his "entrepreneurial approach." He was recently lead partner on a transaction for automotive supplier and global giant ZF International.

Malcolm Lombers was instrumental in advising BSkyB on a high-profile matter involving a GBP7.8 billion offer from News Corporation. Sources say he is "very knowledgeable, with good expertise and a good manner with people."

Stephen Wilkinson has been described as "very strong indeed." He assisted with advising clients BSkyB and G4S.

Gareth Roberts is described favourably, with one client acknowledging his "amazing intellect and experience." He recently advised Northern Foods on a GBP568 million matter.

The "extremely competent" Gavin Davies is recognised for his "very high level of experience which is reflected in the way he dealt with both other lawyers and other parties."

Herbert Smith Freehills' expertise in India is cemented by the esteem in which key individuals Nimi Patel, Alan Montgomery and Chris Parsons are held in the jurisdiction. Major clients include the likes of Essar Group and Tata Group.

Nick Moore regularly handles corporate and capital markets transactions in Russia and the CIS. His client base consists predominantly of international clients, whom he often advises on their entry to the Russian market. Sources appreciate his confident manner and solid negotiating style, as well as his creative and practical approach.

Chris Pearson acted for Chaucer Holdings on a GBP313 million takeover by The Hanover Insurance Group. Sources recognise him as "a good operator."

Robin Brooks recently took charge of the team advising Energees Investments on its GBP121 million offer and acquisition of the AIM-quoted oil and gas company Regal Petroleum.

Simon Cox stands out for his work in Kazakhstan. This is reflective of the firm's broader expertise in the Central Asia and Eastern European regions.

A significant part of Peter Noble's practice sees him advising a range of issuers on matters relating to Canadian securities.

Bayo Odubeko is prevalent on many of the team's key Nigeria instructions. Clients point to his experience in completing transactions in the jurisdiction. He is a significant component of the firm's broader Africa practice.

Ramón Andrade is lauded for his analytical approach. He returned to Venezuela after spending significant time practising in London.

Prague-based Milana Chamberlain is UK-qualified and previously practised in London. She handles corporate finance deals, as well as energy and procurement matters.

The firm's wide international reach means that it is a regular player in key jurisdictions like Turkey and Qatar.

Michael Hatchard has been praised for his "good judgement combined with a command of the detail." He recently led the team advising Colfax on its USD2.4 billion acquisition of Charter International.

Scott Simpson is hailed for his capabilities in terms of global M&A. He is "very culturally aware" and clients appreciate his good grasp of both the UK and US legal framework. He was lead partner for the firm advising Chinese securities firm CITIC on a multi-jurisdictional transaction valued at USD374 million.

Shaun Lascelles provides "technically outstanding" advice and is lauded by sources as "very responsive and a good all-round corporate lawyer." He recently assisted with a USD1 billion acquisition for clients Vitol Group and Helios Investment Partners.

Sources say Adrian Knight is "very creative" and clients appreciate his ability "to provide clear insight into deal structures." Notable transactions of late include his lead role in advising UK residential developer Berkeley Group in its cash return plan.

Lorenzo Corte is described as a "creative problem solver" and "commercially very savvy." One interviewee states: "He understands the business issues and advises so we can balance legal risks and business objectives."

US-qualified Hilary Foulkes recently joined Skadden's London office from Frankfurt, where he maintained a strong following among Russian clients, and is frequently encountered on transactions with a significant Russian dimension. Interviewees praise his technical expertise and familiarity with complex M&A, saying: "When the transaction gets difficult, having someone like him on board really adds value."

Pranav Trivedi divides his time between the Moscow and London offices, and is responsible for handling many of the team's Russian transactions.

Linda Davies is a new figure on the Russian legal market, but she has quickly established herself as one of the foremost English law experts around. A client reports: “From a technical point of view she is a first-rate lawyer, and it gives me great confidence to have her on my side.”

Adrian Clark recently led the team advising HSBC and RBC Capital Markets on the Northumbrian Water transaction. Clients hold him in high esteem, noting that he is "not just a good lawyer, but someone who is commercial, pragmatic and understands what we're trying to achieve."

Stephen Lloyd recently advised Halcrow Holdings on its GBP230 million sale to CH2M Hill Europe. Clients regard him as "a very good lawyer and mature beyond his years."

Charlie Geffen is "brilliant in private equity" according to sources, who further praise him for his "excellence" and "experience."

Sergei Ostrovsky is a key contact at the firm for Russia and CIS matters, and has a notably active practice in the region.

Richard Gubbins heads the firm's India practice, and is responsible for many transactions in the jurisdiction.

The team is known for its work all over the world, and is active in a variety of jurisdictions, notably Libya and Luxembourg.

Louise Wallace has been noted as "instrumental in getting the deal done." Recent highlights over the past year include acting as lead partner advising Coca-Cola Enterprises on an environmentally oriented case involving a joint venture aimed at reprocessing plastic bottles.

Head of corporate finance Sean Watson is "a very experienced lawyer and a pleasure to work with." He has represented some of the firm's largest corporate clients including National Grid.

Hungarian-qualified Éva Talmácsi has a broad-based practice, and is active across Eastern Europe.

Moscow-based partner David Cranfield is qualified in England and Wales. He focuses on cross-border M&A, joint ventures, capital markets and private equity. “He is incredibly helpful and knows how to translate business into law,” say sources.

Clients describe Lisbon-based partner Francisco Xavier de Almeida as "a sensible person, effective. He can easily see what the problems are and prevent them." De Almeida is qualified in the UK as well as Portugal.

John Hammond is one of the most experienced expatriates in Russia, and clients value his knowledge of local business and culture. He is particularly highlighted for his practicality, and his language skills make him a valuable negotiator.

This international powerhouse co-ordinates work from the London, Madrid and Miami offices, and has successfully built a strong presence in the Latin American region. Key mandates of late include assisting the National Insurance Institute of Costa Rica in a dispute against its Miami and London reinsurance brokers.

The firm is also noted for its expertise in handling corporate matters in African jurisdictions, including Libya in particular.

Steven Bryan is highly regarded by clients. He was the lead partner advising Northumbrian Water on one of the UK's largest takeovers of the year.

Andrew Pearson is head of the corporate department and recently advised SABMiller on its widely publicised acquisition of Foster's Group.

Frances Le Grys has spent a significant amount of time working with the firm's Tokyo office. She regularly assists Japanese clients with a range of matters.

Clients comment on David Levin's knowledge of the Eastern European markets. He works with clients on transactions across the region.

Senior associate Natasha Gunney is highlighted by sources for her dedication to the Latin America region and first-rate advice.

Richard Cowie covers transactions in the corporate and private equity spheres, and has built up considerable experience during his time in Moscow.

Simon Jay led the team advising on the high-profile Sony acquisition of Ericsson’s 50% stake in Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications. Sources say he is "very commercial and very articulate. He has a nice non-confrontational style but is articulate enough to avoid disagreements and smooth transactions along."

Tihir Sarkar has a comprehensive grasp of cross-border international transactions. Representative of this is his recent role advising Renaissance Partners on its acquisition of land interests outside the port city of Takoradi in Ghana. Noted for his India expertise, he is a key component of the team's significant India practice.

Daniel Braverman and David Gottlieb serve as noted members of the team's Russia practice. Together they are responsible for a wide range of corporate transactions in the jurisdiction.

Dan Coppel retains a significant focus on deals in Russia from the London office. Previously with Dewey & LeBoeuf, he has a broad corporate practice and is highlighted for his local expertise.

Dutch-qualified Ferdinand Mason joined the firm from Boekel de Nerée's London office. He is spearheading the team's Dutch practice, in conjunction with the establishment of an Amsterdam presence.

Sumesh Sawhney is known for his work on standout deals involving India. He is noted for his experience and knowledge of the jurisdiction.

Nicholas Cline stands out for his work with high-profile Qatari clients. He regularly advises sovereign wealth funds on their European investments.

Christopher Allen is one of the most experienced English lawyers based in Moscow and is noted for his “wide knowledge and vast experience in different transactions.”

Charles Martin is armed with "a wealth of experience." He was lead partner advising the independent directors of TNK-BP on a cross-border transaction involving Russia.

Tim Emmerson has been singled out as "an impressive individual." He regularly advises Goldman Sachs on a range of transactions.

New York-qualified Richard Morrissey is highly rated by peers, who describe him as a "good guy." He led the team advising Silver Lake Partners on the sale of Skype to Microsoft, demonstrating his international credentials.

David Rockwell is praised by German clients for his command of the language and understanding of the market. He regularly advises on matters in the jurisdiction.

Presley Warner is highly regarded for his handling of Israel-related corporate matters, and the firm is widely regarded for its capabilities in this area.

Spencer Summerfield heads up the corporate finance team at the firm. He led various deals over the past twelve months including an acquisition for Macquarie Bank and a GBP1.5 billion transaction for NBNK Investments.

Michael Francies is described as "an excellent practitioner" and has extensive experience advising on public and private M&A transactions. Sources say: "I wish I was on the other side of deals with him all the time. He deals with points well and just gets on with it."

Peter King advised Environmental Resources Management on the sale of a majority stake to Charterhouse Capital Partners. Peers acknowledge that he is a "very good" practitioner.

Timothy Gee specialises in public and private M&A. His recent experiences includes advising Cargill on its acquisition of Provimi, the global animal nutrition company, for an enterprise value of USD2.1 billion from funds managed by Permira.

Bogotá-based lawyer Clare Montgomery leads the firm in mandates involving cross-border reorganisations. A UK national, Montgomery is admitted to practice in both Colombia and England and Wales.

Alan Paul joined the firm from Allen & Overy in 2012. He is considered a legend in the field of private equity.

John Bennett recently led a team advising a consortium comprising Gerald Ronson’s Snax 24, Investec, Grovepoint Capital and other investors. Clients appreciate his "commitment, commerciality and expertise."

David Collins recently advised Xchange Technology Group, a global leader in IT asset and technology lifecycle management, on a cross-border deal involving the acquisition of Hamilton Rentals, an IT demo and short-term rental solutions company.

Paul Miller and Jonathan Morris are co-heads of the firm's Israel group. Miller splits his time between the UK and Israel. His recent work highlights have included advising MirLand Development on securities law and corporate governance matters. Morris has advised on a number of recent acquisitions, including Ceragon Networks' USD48.5 million purchase of Nera Networks.

Based in Goltsblat BLP's Moscow office, Ian Ivory is responsible for much of the English law advice on the ground, and particularly focuses on M&A, restructuring and infrastructure projects. Clients praise his ability to adapt quickly to complex and novel projects.

UK corporate head Charles Severs recently advised Matrix Property and Nick Jenkins on the complex multi-jurisdictional merger of Moonpig.com and Photobox.

London-based Hinal Patel regularly assists the firm's UAE office, and is a key contact for outsourcing matters in the Middle East.

The firm is also noted for its expertise in handling corporate matters concerning African jurisdictions.

This international full-service firm has established a strong presence in the Latin American insurance scene. The London-based team acts for clients on the full range of insurance matters, with political risk and contentious work being two areas of particular activity. The practice group has had a busy year assisting clients in Panama, Peru, Mexico, Argentina, Bolivia and Venezuela with insurance-related matters.

Peter Dickinson is described as "particularly strong at the negotiating table; he will put his neck on the line for you. He's the lawyer I most want to have with me." He recently advised Ally Financial on the disposal of its UK Masterlease business to Investec Bank.

Richard Page focuses upon TMT and life science M&A in both private and public spheres. He represented the directors of MWB Business Exchange during Project Bluebell on their liabilities and duties throughout the equity acquisition.

David Chadwick heads the firm's insurance and reinsurance group in London. He specialises in both political risk and financial institutions insurance, and frequently acts for clients with Latin American interests.

Carlos Fane is singled out by clients and local lawyers as the "go-to guy" for Latin America insurance work at the firm. He regularly advises clients on public liability and political risk, as well as financial institutions claims. He wins praise from clients for his “clear, pragmatic advice, experience in the market and 100% dedication to every task.” Market sources also highlight his native command of Spanish.

Sources say that Edward Baker is enjoyable to work with, devotes his attention to the matter at hand and takes a hands-on approach. He led the team advising new client Dialog Semiconductor on a cross-border transaction.

The firm also houses a strong team of practitioners capable of handling corporate work concerning Russia.

Alex Woodfield recently joined the firm from Field Fisher Waterhouse. He is noted for his particular expertise in Kazakhstan-related corporate matters.

Philip Broke has extensive experience in public M&A. Recent highlights include advising Deutsche Bank on Colfax's GBP2.5 billion recommended offer for Charter International and also GSO's purchase of a majority stake in Miller Group.

Gavin Weir is "very good, very calm and works extremely hard." Sources say he is "an effective execution lawyer - if you give him a deal he'll do it well for you."

Joshua Kiernan heads the firm's Israel practice. He regularly works alongside David Becker to advise clients on a range of corporate matters concerning the jurisdiction.

David Crook joined the firm's London office in 2011 and regularly works with a number of high-profile Russian clients. His practice focuses on cross-border M&A in a range of sectors

Marc Polonsky is a frequent visitor to Moscow and has an in-depth knowledge of the local market. His practice, which focuses predominantly on energy and infrastructure projects, spans the CIS and CEE.

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Helen Gavin-Brown is widely considered to be an expert on China-related matters, having previously worked in the firm's Hong Kong office.

The firm maintains a strong presence on India-related transactions. Nipun Gupta is a key contact for work of this nature. Clients appreciate that she "understands Indian corporate culture and what Indian businesses want."

Gupta regularly works alongside her colleague Simon Fielder. Sources note that he "can step in and argue very well on our behalf and makes sure the deal closes in our best interests."

Gupta and Fielder have recently worked together to advise a number of clients on Indian corporate matters, including assisting Indofil Industries on its acquisition of the Mancozeb business in Europe from Dow AgroSciences.

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SNR Denton houses a number of lawyers who are capable of advising clients on corporate matters concerning African jurisdictions.

This group of lawyers includes Geoffrey Wynne, who is described by one source as "a class act." He is a trade finance lawyer in London who is frequently engaged on matters in Africa.

Clients regards Neil Nicholson as a "superb corporate lawyer" and "particularly able individual" for his M&A work in the UAE.

John Stansfield recently joined from Linklaters. He has been resident in Moscow since 2010 and provides valuable English law advice on a range of corporate finance transactions.

Paul Salmon is regularly involved in Ukrainian M&A transactions.

Since publication, John Stansfield has joined Dentons

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Dorsey & Whitney maintains a strong India practice in its London office, advising clients on a range of inbound and outbound investments, M&A, joint ventures and commercial contracts.

Arik Aslanyan is a member of the firm's CIS/CEE team and is actively involved in the firm's instructions in the region, Ukraine in particular. He speaks Russian and Armenian.

Marie-Caroline Frochot specialises in cross-border M&A transactions between France and the UK.

Dual-qualified in France and the UK, Marianne Lasserre advises French clients on corporate finance, M&A and cross-border transactions. She is a member of the firm's French desk.

The firm is noted for its capacity to handle Kazakhstan-related matters, which recently included the sale of an oil and gas company in Kazakhstan.

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This firm is noted in particular for its ability to handle India-related work.

Richard Elphick has a distinctly international profile, as well as experience of a wide range of cross-border transactions involving Russia. Specialising in corporate and finance matters, he works with a range of corporates and international lenders.

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Olswang houses a strong team of India specialists in its London office, assisting both Indian and non-Indian clients in the market.

David Roberts is a key contact for India-related work. Sources note that "we're always impressed with his understanding of on-the-ground intelligence in India – he's always clued into what's happening in the market."

This firm is highly regarded for its capacity to handle India-related corporate matters.

Pinsent Masons houses a strong team of lawyers capable of handling India-related corporate matters.

Gavin Farquhar is noted for his expertise on corporate matters concerning the Falkland Islands, including deals involving the shipping and oil and gas sectors.  

Carsten Rumberg is qualified in both Germany and England. Focusing on corporate finance law, he is adept at advising on acquisition and joint venture-related cross-border transactions.

Louise Wolfson recently joined the London office of Pinsent Masons from Allen & Overy, bringing with her significant Israel corporate experience. 

Reed Smith has a number of lawyers who are well placed to advise on Indian corporate matters.

Peter Alfandary is recognised for his French expertise. He heads the firm's French business group and has over 30 years' experience working with French clients.

This firm is noted in particular for its capacity to advise on Greece-related matters.  

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Miriam Lampert heads the firm's Israel group and is a fluent Hebrew speaker.

Stephenson Harwood is noted for its capacity to handle India-related corporate matters, as well as matters concerning African jurisdictions.

Originally from Kenya, Kamal Shah devotes much of his time to work with an African element. He leads the Africa group and is a key point of contact on international arbitration and litigation cases.  

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This firm is recognised for its capabilities in matters concerning India.

Richard Bursby is a key contact of the firm's Brazilian group in all matters related to the country. The practice group is particularly focused on life sciences, healthcare, private wealth, financial institutions, technology, communications, consumer products, real estate, infrastructure, energy and environment.

Mustafa Hussain is a key contact for clients seeking advice on corporate matters concerning Middle Eastern jurisdictions, and he is also an expert in Islamic finance.

Liu Yamin is qualified to practise in China and the UK. She has been representing Chinese clients who are investing in the UK including commercial banks and other corporations with operations in the country.

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This international firm enjoys a strong and long-standing reputation for its insurance work across South America. The group is based in London and benefits from the firm's international network, particularly its offices in Mexico and Brazil. The team has extensive experience working in South America and frequently assists clients with complex high-end disputes, as well as non-contentious matters.

Konstantin Osipov is “one of the smartest guys in the market,” a source said. His broad practice covers capital markets, M&A, and banking and finance transactions.

Silvia Fazio is admitted to practice in Italy and Brazil and is regularly instructed to handle cross-border mandates by international clients such as Banco do Brasil and TAM.

Christopher Cardona is a leading name in the Latin America region. He wins effusive praise from sources for his expertise on reinsurance matters and his native command of Spanish.

This compact firm provides insurers and reinsurers with coverage advice and liability defence in high-value South American claims. The group primarily focuses on Brazil and has actively been working with the London market reinsurers and the Brazilian regulatory authorities on the opening of the Brazilian reinsurance industry to international reinsurers.

Partners Jonathan Hall and John Startin are highlighted by clients as “detail-oriented, thorough lawyers, able to see the big picture.” Both have a strong level of expertise in South American markets.

This insurance giant is no stranger to the Latin American scene given its 20 years in the region. The group has offices in Caracas and Rio de Janeiro and representative offices in São Paulo and Bogotá, though the practice is led by the London branch. Services offered span the full range of contentious and non-contentious insurance and reinsurance matters, covering construction, engineering, aviation, operational risk and offshore energy.

Martyn Plaskett is based in Clyde & Co's Rio de Janeiro office and focuses on aviation matters. He represents a large portfolio of international clients and especially those from the UK, where he is admitted to practice.

Dispute resolution partner Peter Hirst is very active in the region and has a growing profile in the market.

This recently formed group is fast becoming one of the leading names in the Latin American insurance sphere. The firm co-ordinates work from its Madrid, London and Mexico offices, and has developed close working relationships with firms in Canada, Brazil and Chile. The practice group has a strong client portfolio, including insurance brokers, agents, insurers and reinsurers, and provides assistance with a range of consulting and contentious matters.

Hermes Marangos leads the Latin America practice and has vast experience in commercial litigation.

Matthew Wescott is an experienced insurance practitioner with a focus on financial markets. He is “excellent and a pleasure to work with,” according to market commentators.

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This highly respected firm opened a Brazilian office in late 2011 with the arrival of Jeremy Shebson and his team from a rival firm. The practice group acts for clients on the full range of insurance and reinsurance matters, and is well versed in aviation and shipping issues. The team is particularly active in South America and is currently involved in several matters across oil and gas, offshore, mining, commodities and shipping.

Fernando Albino is the legal director of Holman Fenwick Willan LLP's office in São Paulo and is a key partner for the firm's representation of their clients' legal needs in Brazil. He specialises in aviation law and is admitted to practice in Portugal and England.

According to sources, London-based Jonathan Bruce “is business-minded, sees the big picture and has excellent working connections in the Latin American region.” He concentrates on maritime, shipping and energy matters.

This leading insurance firm has cultivated a noteworthy Latin American insurance practice. The team is based in London and has extensive experience in acting for clients in the aviation, energy and offshore, international trade and shipping industries. The practice group assists clients with both contentious and non-contentious matters and is particularly active in political risk claims. In a key mandate of late, the team represented CPT Empresas Marítimas in a USD40 million negligence claim brought against it in Chile.

Ian Chetwood focuses on shipping law and regularly acts for shipowners, P&I clubs and other insurers. He wins praise from clients for his “global vision and ability to perfectly navigate between the common law and civil law systems.” He brings a good understanding of Latin American matters.

Seasoned practitioner Peter Rogan enjoys an enviable reputation across the Latin American region. He is praised for his all-round knowledge and is particularly noted by sources for his political risk and reinsurance experience.

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This firm advises clients on contentious issues relating to Latin America property and casualty losses in the oil and gas, mining and renewables, construction, public utilities and transport sectors. In a key mandate of late, the practice group represented London-based reinsurers in USD250 million claims brought against the insurer of an oil company in relation to a major oil spillage in Colombia.

Team leader Mark Kendall and property and casualty specialist Duncan Strachan are highlighted by sources for their strong Latin American knowledge. Clients particularly appreciate "their practical approach and working connections in the region."  

This Spanish firm houses a UK desk led by Jordi Casas Thió. It helps UK clients in Spain, particularly with employment and tax issues, as well as advising Spanish clients in the UK on property matters, joint ventures and company acquisitions.