Chambers Client Report75 The recent Chambers European Awards for Excellence ceremony was held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London. M M ichael Chambers opened proceedings and admitted that in light ofthe economic climate the company thought twice about whether it was appropriate to hold an awards ceremony at all."But it's important to recognise that the profession continues to thrive,"he added.Respected barrister Michael BeloffQC hosted the event and regaled the audience with his customary wit and charm. The Chambers Europe Awards The Chambers Europe Awards Michael Chambers Michael Beloff QC 08_CR28_Europe Awards_75_87 10/6/09 13:44 Page 75 76 Summer 2009 THE CHAMBERS 2009 EUROPE AWARDS AUSTRIA Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwälte GmbH BELGIUM Allen & Overy LLP CZECH REPUBLIC International Firms National Firms Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP Glatzová & Co. DENMARK Gorrissen Federspiel Kierkegaard FRANCE Linklaters LLP GERMANY Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP GREECE Kyriakides Georgopoulos & Daniolos Issaias IRELAND Matheson Ormsby Prentice ITALY Bonelli Erede Pappalardo NETHERLANDS De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek N.V. NORWAY Thommessen Krefting Greve Lund AS Advokatfirma POLAND International Firms National Firms Clifford Chance LLP Sol/tysinski Kawecki & Szleczak PORTUGAL PLMJ ROMANIA Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen RUSSIA Baker & McKenzie LLP SPAIN Garrigues SWEDEN Mannheimer Swartling SWITZERLAND Homburger AG UK Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP UKRAINE Magisters CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE Salans OFFSHORE Ozannes EUROPEAN LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Clifford Chance LLP Client Service Awards Winner FRANCE Gide Loyrette Nouel IRELAND Arthur Cox The winners...Award for ExcellenceWinner 08_CR28_Europe Awards_75_87 10/6/09 13:44 Page 76 Chambers Client Report77 THE CHAMBERS 2009 EUROPE AWARDS EUROPEAN Law firm of the Year Clifford ChanceThe award for European law firm ofthe year went to Clifford Chance.The award goes to the law firm that has most consistently handled com- plex,cross-border matters across a range ofprac- tice areas.Clifford Chance has offices in almost every jurisdiction and continues to expand its regional coverage,most recently in CEE.It regu- larly tops the ranking tables in the Chambers Europe guide.Among the notable deals it has been involved in in the last year the firm advised British Energy in its 15.7 billion takeover by EDF."We depend upon feedback from our clients so appreciate the efforts ofChambers and Client Report,"Clifford Chance senior partner Stuart Popham said as he accepted the award. "Rigorous analysis keeps us on our toes.It's not always easy to be under scrutiny but we're all the better for it." CLIENT SERVICE AWARDS The Client Service Awards are allotted based on client comments received by the Chambers researchers. The research confirms the importance that clients attach to working with responsi ve and a ccessible lawyers and this award recognises this important aspect ofprofessional service. FRANCE Client Service Law Firm of the Year Gide Loyrette NouelGide boasts an unarguable reputation for excel- lence,and recently strengthened its international offering by opening three new offices.The Paris office is renowned for its prowess across a range offields and has been entrusted with some of the year's most challenging mandates.Clients include:SPPE,recapitalisation vehicle for French banks;SFEF,refinancing vehicle for French banks;Caisses d'Epargne;SNCF; BNP Paribas and Pernod Ricard. IRELAND Client Service Law Firm of the Year Arthur CoxThe firm has consistently produced work ofout- standing quality.This Irish powerhouse contin- ues to make waves in the Irish market and has this year secured a number ofkey mandates across a wide range ofindustry sectors.The Irish govern- ment turned to the firm to advise on its response to the banking crisis including the state guarantee ofthe Irish banking system,the 3.5 billion recapitalisation ofeach ofAIB and Bank ofIreland and the nationalisation ofAnglo Irish Bank. Clifford Chance European Law Firm of the Year Gide Loyrette Nouel France – Client Service Law Firm of the Year 08_CR28_Europe Awards_75_87 10/6/09 13:44 Page 77 THE CHAMBERS 2008 EUROPE AWARDS CliffordChancewasrankedtoptierbyChambers&Partnersinmorecross-border practicesthananyotherlawfirm (ChambersGlobal2009) .Receivingtheawardfor EuropeanLawFirmoftheYearattheChambersEuropeAwardsforExcellence 2009,CliffordChancewascitedasthefirmthathasmostsuccessfullyhandled complexcross-borderworkinarangeofpracticeareas?. With18officesacrossEuropeand12intheMiddleEast,AsiaandtheAmericas, CliffordChanceishelpingclientsachievetheirgoalsbycombiningthehighest globalstandardswithlocalexpertise.CliffordChanceLLP PARIS ? SHANGHAI ? DUBAI ? WASHINGTON D . C .? MILAN ? MUNICH ? BARCELON ?BARCELONA?MADRID?PRAGUE?BUCHAREST?MOSCOW?HONG KONG?RO M ROME?SINGAPORE?BANGKOK?BEIJING?AMSTERDAM?LUXEMBOURG?BR U ?BRUSSELS?BUDAPEST?TOKYO?FRANKFURT?WARSAW?KYIV?NEWYORK ? DÜSSELDORF?SÃO PAULO?LONDON?ABU DHABI?PARIS?SHANGHAI?DUB A ?WASHINGTOND.C.?MILAN?MUNICH?BARCELONA?MADRID?PRAGUE?BU C BUCHAREST?MOSCOW?ROME?HONGKONG?SINGAPORE?BANGKOK?BEIJI N ?BEIJING?LUXEMBOURG?BRUSSELS?BUDAPEST?TOKYO?FRANKFURT?WA WARSAW?PARIS?SHANGHAI?WASHINGTON D.C.?DUBAI?MILAN?MUNICH? ?BARCELONA?MADRID?PRAGUE?BUCHAREST?MOSCOW?HONG KONG?RO M ROME?SINGAPORE?BANGKOK?BEIJING?AMSTERDAM?LUXEMBOURG?BR U ?BRUSSELS?BUDAPEST?TOKYO?FRANKFURT?WARSAW?KYIV?NEWYORK ? DÜSSELDORF?SÃO PAULO?LONDON?ABU DHABI?PARIS?SHANGHAI?DUB A ?WASHINGTOND.C.?MILAN?MUNICH?BARCELONA?MADRID?PRAGUE?BU C BUCHAREST?MOSCOW?ROME?HONGKONG?SINGAPORE?BANGKOK?BEIJI N ?BEIJING?LUXEMBOURG?BRUSSELS?BUDAPEST?TOKYO?FRANKFURT?WA WARSAW?PARIS?SHANGHAI?WASHINGTON D.C.?DUBAI?MILAN?MUNICH? ?BARCELONA?MADRID?PRAGUE?BUCHAREST?MOSCOW?HONG KONG?RO M ROME?SINGAPORE?BANGKOK?BEIJING?AMSTERDAM?LUXEMBOURG?BR U ?BRUSSELS?BUDAPEST?TOKYO?FRANKFURT?WARSAW?KYIV?NEWYORK ? DÜSSELDORF?SÃO PAULO?LONDON?ABU DHABI?PARIS?SHANGHAI?DUB A ?WASHINGTOND.C.?MILAN?MUNICH?BARCELONA?MADRID?PRAGUE?BU C BUCHAREST ? MOSCOW ? ROME ? HONGKONG ? SINGAPORE ? BANGKOK ? BEIJIN EuropeanLaw FirmoftheYear(ChambersEuropeAwards2009)MostInnovative LawFirminEurope(FTInnovativeLawyersReport2008)InternationalLaw FirmoftheYear(IFLREuropeAwards2009) 78 Summer 2009 08_CR28_Europe Awards_75_87 10/6/09 13:44 Page 78 Chambers Client Report79 THE CHAMBERS 2009 EUROPE AWARDS AUSTRIA Law Firm of the Year Wolf Theiss Rechtsanw?lte GmbHWolfTheiss has grown into Austria's largest law firm and one ofthe leading law firms in Central and Eastern Europe and South-Eastern Europe with 12 offices in the region.Its work is often ground-breaking.Most recent examples include deals with major Austrian banks such as Erste Bank and Hypo Alpe-Adria Bank in relation to the first government aid programme for the banking sector. BELGIUM Law Firm of the Year Allen & Overy LLPIn addition to its long-standing tier one rankings in banking & finance,corporate/M&A,dispute resolution and IP,this year A&O also topped the Belgian tables for its TMT practice.Whilst the firm's international network makes it a naturally attractive proposition for large multinationals,it also stands out for its superb local expertise and client-friendly,hands-on approach,thereby giv- ing the best ofboth worlds to an impressive portfolio ofdomestic and international clients. Recent highlights ofa busy year include advising AB and Antwerp Diamond Bank on the Diarough diamond inventory securitisation programme. CZECH REPUBLIC Law Firm of the Year (International) Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLPWeil Gotshal is well known for its transactional, regulatory and dispute resolution strength.In 2008,it acted as the government's counsel on three large transportation infrastructure PPP projects and on the largest Czech M&A transac- tion.Weil Gotshal also represented CEZ,the largest Czech corporation,in IIC arbitration against the government ofBulgaria and most recently was instructed by the City ofPrague to advise it on the 2.5 billion new Prague underground construction project. CZECH REPUBLIC Law Firm of the Year (National) Glatzov? & Co.Glatzov? & Co.is one ofthe leading law firms in the Czech Republic.Its excellent reputation stems from deep knowledge ofthe legal system, sensitivity to each client's individual business needs,and a positive approach to solving legal problems.Clients also appreciate Glatzov?'s lawyers being highly professional,yet informal and easy to work with.These days the firm enjoys significant expansion,including three new part- ners and opening an office in Bratislava. DENMARK Law Firm of the Year Gorrissen Federspiel KierkegaardFrequently present on the country's most high- profile transactional and dispute cases,Gorrissen Federspiel Kierkegaard remains a clear market leader.Its string ofprestigious instructions is due in part to its competency across a vast range ofareas and outstanding resources. Glatzov? & Co. Czech Republic – Law Firm of the Year (National) Gorrissen Federspiel Kierkegaard Denmark – Law Firm of the Year 08_CR28_Europe Awards_75_87 10/6/09 13:44 Page 79 80 Summer 2009 THE CHAMBERS 2009 EUROPE AWARDS FRANCE Law Firm of the Year Linklaters LLPThis firm's breadth and versatility continues to stand it in excellent stead amongst its peers, especially as regards the group's ability to prac- tise French,US and English law,which draws to it a wealth ofhigh-profile clients.Particularly renowned for its corporate/M&A practice, Linklaters also excels in banking,debt and equi- ty,capital markets,competition/European law, international projects and litigation & arbitra- tion.The firm is renowned for its work as legal adviser to SUEZon its merger with GDF.The Paris teams also assisted SUEZEnvironnement on its spin-offand subsequent IPO. GERMANY Law Firm of the Year Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLPWith over 600 lawyers across six offices, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is one of Germany's leading corporate law firms.The firm's broad range ofknow-how and extensive experience has led to its continual involvement in some ofthe most significant transactions in Germany,such as advising BayernLB on its 31 billion financial stability package and CVC Capital Partners on its 2.4 billion acquisi- tion of25.01% ofshares in Evonik Industries AG. GREECE Law Firm of the Year Kyriakides Georgopoulos & Daniolos IssaiasFollowing the merger oftwo ofthe country's most prestigious firms,this newly established outfit has gone from strength to strength.It boasts near unparalleled resources and enjoys the custom ofa premium client base spanning both domestic and international entities.As a founding member ofthe regional alliance SEE Legal,it offers a prized combination oflocal knowledge and regional coverage. IRELAND Law Firm of the Year Matheson Ormsby PrenticeMatheson Ormsby Prentice has firmly estab- lished itselfas a leading player in the Irish mar- ket,offering strength and depth in areas ranging from corporate/M&A,tax,banking and capital markets to energy,IP/IT,investment funds and competition.With offices in Dublin,London, New York and Palo Alto,the firm has a signifi- cant domestic and international client base,and is highly regarded by inward investment clients sourcing top-drawer legal advice. ITALY Law Firm of the Year Bonelli Erede PappalardoBonelli Erede Pappalardo's outstanding corpo- rate team is supported by a fantastic full-service practice recognised with top-tier rankings across a number ofareas,including banking and finance,capital markets and dispute resolution. The firm advised on some ofthe year's most desirable M&A,capital markets and restructur- ing mandates and is perceived as one ofItaly's leading players. Linklaters LLP France – Law Firm of the Year Matheson Ormsby Prentice Ireland – Law Firm of the Year 08_CR28_Europe Awards_75_87 10/6/09 13:44 Page 80 Chambers Client Report81 THE CHAMBERS 2009 EUROPE AWARDS NETHERLANDS Law Firm of the Year De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek N.V.Ever since the firm was founded,in 1871,De Brauw has focused on providing clients with high-end legal advice in complex business and finance transactions and commercial litigation. De Brauw's lawyers and tax advisers combine a business-oriented approach with broad experi- ence and first rate legal know-how.Clients also benefit from its extensive network oftop-tier independent law firms in other jurisdictions. NORWAY Law Firm of the Year Thommessen Krefting Greve Lund AS AdvokatfirmaAs one ofNorway's leading commercial law firms,Thommessen provides high-quality advice covering all practice areas within commercial law.The firm invests considerable resources in maintaining its in-depth knowledge in all these areas.In 2008 Thommessen was once again involved in most ofthe major transactions that were carried out in Norway.Team Thommessen consists ofhighly motivated individuals who place great emphasis on availability and solu- tion-oriented advice. POLAND Law Firm of the Year (International) Clifford Chance LLPAn undisputed market leader in many fields, this firm has drawn attention for more than the strength ofits transactional practice over the past year.Members ofthe team have been active successfully challenging controversial real estate legislation;meanwhile,the group has also been busy founding the Public-Private Partnership Centre,Centrum PPP. POLAND Law Firm of the Year (National) Sol/tysinski Kawecki & SzleczakSol/tysinski Kawecki & Szleczak(SK&S) continues to be recognised as a market leader and is espe- cially distinguished for its versatility and breadth ofexpertise.Its award-winning corporate & com- mercial,competition & antitrust and intellectual and industrial property law practices remain buoy- ant.It is also highly regarded for its skill in con- tentious matters.The team is regularly engaged on civil,commercial and employment-related disputes,including international arbitration. PORTUGAL Law Firm of the Year PLMJPLMJ is a leading law firm in Portugal and a key reference in the legal sector.Its dynamism and capacity to innovate as well as its track record of outstanding quality and client service are amongst the highest in the Portuguese legal market,with the best ratio ofpartners per fee earner and the greatest number oflawyers to boot.PLMJ is the only Portuguese firm with full national coverage (offices in six different locations) and an interna- tional presence in Portuguese-speaking countries such as Angola,Brazil and Mozambique,as well as Macao,through joint ventures with leading national firms.Once again,and in spite ofglobal difficulties,2008 was a standout year for PLMJ, with a turnover increase ofmore than 10% and the recruitment ofmore than 20 highly specialised new fee earners. PLMJ Portugal – Law Firm of the Year De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek N.V. Netherlands – Law Firm of the Year 08_CR28_Europe Awards_75_87 10/6/09 13:44 Page 81 THE CHAMBERS 2009 EUROPE AWARDS 82 Summer 2009 08_CR28_Europe Awards_75_87 10/6/09 13:45 Page 82 Chambers Client Report83 THE CHAMBERS 2009 EUROPE AWARDS ROMANIA Law Firm of the Year Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston PetersenWorldwide recognised for extensive experience, outstanding skills and unwavering responsiveness, full-service law firm Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen (NNDKP) is distinguished for its first-class legal advice and ability to combine local expertise with international business imper- atives.Instrumental in several ofRomania's land- mark transactions,the firm has gained recogni- tion for its impressive track record in high-profile work.Recent highlights include advising RREEF Real Estate in connection with the 341 million financing ofa real estate acquisition. RUSSIA Law Firm of the Year Baker & McKenzie LLPPresent in Russia since 1989,Baker & McKenzie has one ofthe largest legal practices in Russia with over 150 qualified lawyers in its Moscow and St Petersburg offices.Recognised as a market leader in the areas ofdispute resolution,employ- ment,tax,real estate and intellectual property; the firm services an impressive roster oflarge multinational and Russian clients.Its real estate and corporate practices were significantly strengthened last year with the arrival ofthree partners and a team oflawyers from the legal department ofPwC. SPAIN Law Firm of the Year GarriguesGarrigues is today the largest law firm in conti- nental Europe,and the only independent firm to have broken the 300 million turnover barrier. With offices in 27 cities throughout Spain,and international offices in Brussels,Bucharest, Casablanca,Lisbon,London,Porto Miami,New York,Tangiers,Shanghai and Warsaw,Garrigues is perfectly positioned to combine local knowl- edge with global reach.Excelling in virtually every area ofpractice,the firm provides clients with a full perspective,combining transactional, regulatory and tax implications in every assign- ment.Milestone deals this year were done for clients such as It?nere,Editis,Cr?dit Agricole, GE,BBVA,Iberdrola amongst others. Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen Romania – Law Firm of the Year Garrigues Spain – Law Firm of the Year 08_CR28_Europe Awards_75_87 10/6/09 13:45 Page 83 THE CHAMBERS 2009 EUROPE AWARDS SWEDEN Law Firm of the Year Mannheimer SwartlingMannheimer Swartling is a leading Nordic firm, with clients including domestic and international market leaders in the financial and industrial sectors.This year's highlights feature high-profile work for the Swedish government.Not only did Mannheimer Swartling act on two ofthe planned privatisations as well as the state's rescue ofCarnegie Investment Bank,it was also the legal adviser on the state's 150 billion bank guarantee scheme and other parts ofthe support and stabilisation package. SWITZERLAND Law Firm of the Year Homburger AGHomburger serves an international and domestic clientele consisting ofboth financial and industrial global players with enduring competence,efficien- cy and quality.Key areas include corporate/M&A, litigation/arbitration,financial services,competi- tion,IP/IT and tax.Homburger has again played a significant role in complex international trans- actions and cases throughout 2008.Highlights include assisting both UBS and Credit Suisse on a succession ofcapital-raising and compliance exercises,representing CIBA in its acquisition by BASF,and the representation ofNovartis in an ICC arbitration. UK Law Firm of the Year Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLPFreshfields Bruckhaus Deringer's London office has advised on some ofthe most significant UK and international mandates this year.Its reputa- tion as a market leader was confirmed when it was announced as the official legal services provider to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Traditional areas ofpractice have continued to prosper,with the firm working on many challeng- ing and high-profile matters,such as advising The Bank ofEngland on several cases,including its £50 billion special liquidity scheme,the administration ofKaupthing Singer & Friedland and the rescue of Bradford & Bingley. UKRAINE Law Firm of the Year MagistersMagisters is a leading international CIS-based law firm with offices in Belarus,Kazakhstan, Russia,Ukraine and a representative office in London.A Lex Mundi member,Magisters is ranked first by Chambers Global 2009 for each practice area surveyed in Ukraine and has attained the international Investors in People accreditation.The firm's clients include Intesa Sanpaolo,Microsoft,Royal Dutch Shell,UEFA, U.S.Steel and Yahoo!Chambers Client Report85 Magisters Ukraine – Law Firm of the Year Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP UK – Law Firm of the Year 08_CR28_Europe Awards_75_87 10/6/09 13:45 Page 85 THE CHAMBERS 2009 EUROPE AWARDS Corporate Employment Litigation Private Client, Property & Planning Trusts Familywww.ozannes.com 86 Summer 2009 08_CR28_Europe Awards_75_87 10/6/09 13:45 Page 86 THE CHAMBERS 2009 EUROPE AWARDS Chambers Client Report87 CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE Law Firm of the Year Salans Salans has for over 15 years been advising multi- national companies and banks in relation to their cross-border investment activity in Central and Eastern Europe.The firm's fully serviced CEE offices advise a long-standing client base,which shares its commitment to the region.This ensures it can assist clients with those investment oppor- tunities that remain in the market.The firm advised on one ofthe few cross-border real estate financings in the region at the end of2008.It is now advising a growing number ofcash-rich investors and funds based in CEE seeking to get involving in the UK markets. OFFSHORE Law Firm of the Year OzannesOzannes,a law firm with an established history and a modern,dynamic approach,has an inter- national reputation for professionalism and excellence.The firm takes great pride in being at the forefront ofthe legal profession in the Channel Islands and,with a presence in both Guernsey and Jersey,is in an ideal position to provide corporate & private clients with first-class,integrated legal services across all practice areas. Ozannes Offshore – Law Firm of the Year Salans Central &Eastern Europe – Law Firm of the Year 08_CR28_Europe Awards_75_87 10/6/09 13:45 Page 87