Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher > London, England > Firm Profile

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher > The Legal 500 Rankings

Corporate and commercial > VAT and indirect tax Tier 2

The tax practice at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is praised for its ‘deep knowledge of the market, especially the financial services, funds, and real estate industries.’ Its expertise spans the full ambit of VAT, stamp tax, and IPT. The group's sector expertise extends to the real estate, financial services, and energy industries, among others. Highly reputed Sandy Bhogal leads the practice and boasts a broad range of tax expertise. Ben Fryer supports the practice and is regularly tasked with a variety of domestic and cross-border mandates.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 2

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher fields ‘excellent lawyers, who are experienced and accomplished in running large, complex international arbitrations’. The practice has significant experience in disputes in the energy, telecoms, insurance, construction, pharmaceutical and banking sectors. Praised for his ‘ability to navigate complex facts and legal arguments’, Cyrus Benson  routinely acts before commercial and investment treaty tribunals in high stakes matters. Penny Madden KC has particular expertise in shareholder, telecoms, energy, international trade and insurance disputes. The London office also showcases former UK Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer KC, who is a specialist in both international arbitration and commercial litigation. Osma Hudda is an expert in insurance and reinsurance claims, financial services disputes, and conflicts arising out of oil industry divestments and delivery contracts. Other key team members include former President of the European Court of Human Rights Robert Spano, Doug Watson, who conducts arbitrations under a broad range of rules and arbitral institutions, and Piers Plumptre, who has ‘vast amounts of work and new cases’. Other key lawyers are commercial and investment treaty arbitration practitioners Ceyda Knoebel and Stephanie Collins, and Cassie Aprile, who is ‘able to lead and advocate on the most complicated matters’.

Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 2

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher advises clients on a range of matters, including joint ventures, site acquisitions and disposals, and corporate transactions of property companies and portfolios. The firm is particularly experienced in advising sponsors and borrowers through real estate transactions. Alan Samson leads the practice and is well-versed in supporting clients acquiring real estate loan portfolios. Claibourne Harrison advises on private equity transactions. Jeremy Kenley assists with fund formation and leveraged buyouts, while Robert Carr focuses on financings. Isabel Berger is regularly instructed on minority and majority investments and leveraged buyouts. Sean Tierney transferred to the London office from Los Angeles in August 2023, adding his expertise in the hospitality sector.

Real estate > Property finance Tier 2

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is well known for its work with market-leading institutional real estate investors.. Besides real estate investors, the firm also works for US opportunity funds and lenders. Spearheading the team, Alan Samson is a key contact for American global asset management firms in financings and acquisitions of various high-profile developments and real estate assets in London. Robert Carr is an expert in advising on loans for large developments, and a key port of call for various leading investment banks and asset managers. Claibourne Harrison specialises in private equity and corporate transactions. Theresa Witoszynski regularly supports Carr in financings for clients in the asset management and alternative asset management sectors. In August 2023, Sean Tierney - a seasoned transactional lawyer - relocated from the Los Angeles office to London.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 3

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher fields an ‘amazing team’ with a strong record in advising high-profile clients in highly complex tax mandates within the UK and globally. ‘Terrific lawyer’ Sandy Bhogal leads the team, and is the firm’s global co-chair of tax. Bhogal’s practice includes corporate tax advice, as well as matters relating to capital markets, and insurance and real estate issues, in addition to a broad range of other mandates. Jeff Trinklein is particularly active on behalf of US individuals and companies active outside the US. Ben Fryer is highly experienced in tax issues relating to capital markets transactions, corporate reorganisations, and M&A transactions.

Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – mid-large cap Tier 3

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher works with corporate issuers and underwriters on primary and secondary offerings across UK, US, and European markets and also serves as key port of call for investment funds and brokers seeking assistance with high-value equity investments in the biotech and e-commerce sectors, among others. Chris Haynes is well-regarded for his experience handling ECM transactions in the tech sector and serves as a key contact for SPAC IPOs. Haynes co-heads the team with Steve Thierbach, who is well-regarded for his ability to guide clients through cross-border equity transactions.

Dispute resolution > Public international law Tier 3

The ‘very strong public international law practice’ at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher has notable sector experience in the energy, telecoms, insurance, construction, pharmaceutical and banking sectors. The practice is co-led by international arbitration specialist Cyrus Benson, who is a ‘first-rate lawyer and advocate’; and the ‘outstandingly energetic and tireless’ Penny Madden KC, who has significant expertise in shareholder, telecoms, energy, international trade and insurance disputes. The practice further showcases former President of the European Court of Human Rights, Robert Spano; Piers Plumptre, who has significant investment treaty arbitration experience; and ‘excellent public international law practitioner’ Ceyda Knoebel.

Industry focus > TMT Tier 3

Turned to by numerous leading clients, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher‘s cross-practice offering handles a diverse range of high-value, frequently cross-border mandates, spanning corporate transactions, commercial agreements, regulatory reviews, and disputes. Key figures include Joel Harrison, noted for his expertise in tech contracts; Alison Beal, a specialist in cross-border outsourcing; and Robert Spano , who co-chairs the firm’s AI practice group, handling both regulatory and contentious work. Nick Tomlinson is recommended for his transactional pedigree.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure: M&A and acquisition financing Tier 3

Working for some of the world's foremost investment firms, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is singled out by one client for its ‘best in class partner quality and availability combined with very customer-friendly practices and great industry knowledge.’ Latterly, the practice has advised on an array of buyouts, investments, joint ventures, and debt finance mandates concerning a host of infrastructure and energy transition assets, including, but not limited to, green steel, electricity transmission and distribution, telecoms, EV charging, carbon capture and removal, and renewables. Practice head Federico Fruhbeck is a highly experienced M&A lawyer who works with a range of funds and sponsors across a number of jurisdictions. Fruhbeck often works closely with Alice Brogi, whose far-reaching practice covers a range of infrastructure and hard assets. Robert Dixon is another proficient cross-border M&A adviser who is routinely sought out for his digital infrastructure expertise. Kavita Davis joined the firm from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in September 2023, bringing further debt finance capabilities to the team.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 3

Energy majors, state-owned enterprises, independents and private equity houses turn to Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher for its advice on corporate transactions and energy transition matters, in addition to disputes. It is also a trusted adviser to oil and gas clients exiting the UK North Sea for its adept handling of decommissioning liability issues, end of life assets and clean break transactions. Anna Howell leads the group, with demonstrable experience in cross-border transactions, and is supported by Mitasha Chandok, whose wide practice encompasses M&A, project development, financing and ESG mandates. New additions to the team include Ben Shorten and Trinh Chubbock, both formerly of Shearman & Sterling LLP.

Risk advisory > Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates) Tier 3

Regularly instructed by major clients in the consultancy, finance, media, and tech sectors, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher has notable experience acting as coordinating counsel in large-scale global investigations. Philip Rocher heads up the team, which also includes seasoned litigator Sacha Harber-Kelly. Patrick Doris is a key contact for cross-border bribery and corruption investigations as well as contentious antitrust matters, and Allan Neil advises financial institutions on compliance matters and multijurisdictional disputes, while Matthew Nunan is the name to note for financial services regulatory work.

Risk advisory > ESG Tier 3

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher‘s ESG team spans expertise in sustainable reporting, transactional support, human capital and corporate tax strategy. Public M&A expert Selina Sagayam co-heads the practice alongside commercial litigation and investigations expert Susy Bullock. The latter has a proven track record in mandates connected to business and human rights issues across the banking sector. Former president of the European Court of Human Rights Robert Spano is well positioned to lead multi-national and cross-border ESG disputes. Solicitor advocate Stephanie Collins is sought out by a range of major corporate clients for advice on compliance with the UK Modern Slavery Act.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 3

With a global offering, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher specialises in cloud computing, data protection, intellectual property, and data-driven transactions. Joel Harrison is proficient in technology contracts and outsourcing projects, while Alison Beal is knowledgeable of technology-focused transactions. Other key members of the team include TMT transactions expert Robert Dixon who is versed in equity investments, joint ventures, as well as M&A.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Fintech: regulatory Tier 3

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is equipped to assist clients ranging from leading crypto exchanges to multinational corporations on a host of regulatory issues, encompassing cross-border regulatory investigations, licensing issues and the operation of their businesses inside and outside of the regulatory perimeter. Leadership duties are divided between Michelle Kirschner, Alison Beal and Joel Harrison. Kirschner chairs the firm’s global financial regulatory group and excels in advising fintech firms on regulatory perimeter issues, while Beal and Harrison have amassed considerable experience in technology-related transactions.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Artificial intelligence Tier 4

Offering strategic counsel on data privacy, IP, and AI regulatory compliance measures, the ‘dedicated and collaborative’ lawyers at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher regularly act for global tech conglomerates in multi-jurisdictional transactions. Robert Spano leads the team, being an expert in regulatory and litigation matters in the field of EU law and digital rights, whilst Joel Harrison co-chairs the firm’s privacy, cybersecurity and data innovation practice group.

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 4

Working with an impressive array of blue-chip multinational clients, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher advises on the full gamut of contentious and contentious competition matters. Its expertise in Phase 2 merger control cases before the CMA is a hallmark of the practice. The ‘outstanding’ and ‘commercially astute’, Ali Nikpay holds an excellent market reputation for his proficiency in both behavioural and merger control matters. Deirdre Taylor - described as an ‘absolute star’- is noted for her focus on the technology, retail, pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors.

Corporate and commercial > M&A: Upper Mid-Market And Premium Deals, £750m+ Tier 4

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher acts on behalf of some of the market’s most significant financial institutions, private equity funds, UK plcs and US conglomerates. Well-placed to handle cross-border and domestic M&A transactions, its considerable sector reach spans the infrastructure, financial services, tech, healthcare, life sciences, energy and real estate industries. Key figures include Wim De Vlieger and Federico Fruhbeck, who jointly head up the private equity group in Europe and stand out for their experience in strategic cross-border M&A. Other noteworthy individuals from the London team include Alison Beal, who focuses large-scale tech sector deals, and Mark Sperotto, who has wide-ranging experience in both the UK and Italian markets.

Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions – high-value deals (£500m+) Tier 4

A ‘knowledgeable and professional’ team that is ‘able to manage complex transactions pragmatically and effectively’, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher showcases significant sector strength in real estate and infrastructure, as well as a growing presence in the education sector. Co-chair of the firm’s European PE group, Wim De Vlieger presides over complex cross-border transactions. Co-head Federico Fruhbeck is the key contact for infrastructure-related PE deals, often working closely with KKR. Till Lefranc has a strong book of work in the tech, healthcare and life sciences spaces, handling a range of acquisitions, divestments and management equity arrangements, while Mark Sperotto’s practice balances M&A and corporate finance work. Alice Brogi also comes recommended for her transactional skill in the infrastructure sector.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 4

Specialising in commercial litigation, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is regularly called upon to handle multi-jurisdictional disputes, including offshore litigation. Boasting an active multi-party litigation practice, the ‘expert and experienced‘ team has a strong background acting for claimants and defendants. Osma Hudda co-leads alongside Doug Watson, who excels in cross-border litigation, focusing on the telecoms, energy, aviation, media and sport sectors. Susy Bullock heads the firm’s transnational litigation team. Philip Rocher focuses his commercial litigation practice on the financial services sector, while Patrick Doris represents a diverse list of corporations, UK public bodies and sovereign states. Charles Falconer KC and Daniel Warner are names to note.

Dispute resolution > Competition litigation Tier 4

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher regularly appear before the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the CAT. Latterly, the team has engaged in high-profile mandates in the technology, sport, and consumer sectors, including far-reaching class actions. Patrick Doris is especially well versed in white collar investigations, competition litigation, and class action litigation. Ali Nikpay's extensive EU and UK merger control and antitrust experience attracts a number of blue-chip corporate clients, while Doug Watson is noted for his capabilities across both commercial litigation and international arbitration.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Power (including electricity and nuclear) Tier 4

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher‘s energy practice handles a host of complex transactions, projects, and disputes in both the conventional and nuclear power sectors. The team is led by Anna Howell, whose practice spans cross-border M&A, project development and financing, joint ventures, and restructurings. In July 2023, energy specialists Ben Shorten and Trinh Chubbock joined the team from legacy firm Shearman & Sterling LLP, bringing new expertise in the development and financing of large-scale energy projects. Other key contacts include Alice Brogi, who focuses on private equity M&A, and Federico Fruhbeck, who specialises in cross-border M&A transactions across Europe and Latin America.

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 5

Counting investment banks, wealth managers, insurers, cryptoasset companies, payment services providers and fintech enterprises among its key roster of clients, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher handles the financial services regulatory aspects of M&A and private equity transactions, in addition to matters concerning funds regulation. Practice leader Michelle Kirschner acts for fintech ventures on perimeter issues, as well as market abuse mandates, conduct of business and regulatory change management, including MiFID II, MAR and SM&CR. Martin Coombes is another key contact in the group.

Dispute resolution > Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 5

Composed of ‘very experienced and expert partners’, the team at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher represents financial institutions in disputes in various jurisdictions, including offshore. Osma Hudda and Doug Watson jointly lead the team. Boasting extensive experience in the financial services sector, Philip Rocher specialises in litigation, as well as regulatory and internal investigations. Charles Falconer KC is name to note, and Allan Neil represents financial institutions in multi-jurisdictional disputes and investigations. Susy Bullock is an active member of the team, along with Daniel Warner.

Public sector > Administrative and public law Tier 5

The ‘highly experienced and knowledgeable’ team at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is led by Patrick Doris. The team regularly advises clients such as NGOs, public authorities, and corporates. Described as ‘an outstanding litigator’, Doris is recommended for his experience handling commercial judicial reviews. Robert Spano is another prominent member of the team who has an in-depth understanding of public international law and human rights.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Renewables Tier 5

In the renewable energy space, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher advises on numerous large-scale transactions and disputes concerning a range of assets, including wind and solar power, green hydrogen, and battery energy storage. The team is led by Anna Howell, whose experience encompasses cross-border M&A and project development and financing, areas in which Federico Fruhbeck is also well-versed. Alice Brogi is a key contact for domestic and cross-border acquisitions, disposals, and joint ventures. Ben Shorten focuses on energy transition, while Trinh Chubbock is noted for her expertise in renewable energy. Both Shorten and Chubbock joined the team in July 2023 from legacy firm Shearman & Sterling LLP.

Corporate and commercial > Venture capital Tier 6

Counting major investors and global companies among its key clients, the Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher team regularly handles multijurisdictional investments in the tech, healthcare, and media sectors. Wim De Vlieger and Federico Fruhbeck co-head the outfit, both specialising in complex buy-out transactions, IPOs, and cross-border M&A. Regarded as 'an exceptional partner’ Till Lefranc is an expert in growth capital investments. Robert Dixon focuses on joint ventures, while Jeremy Kenley is knowledgeable on disposals and leveraged buyouts.

Employment > Employers Tier 6

Led by James Cox, the London employment practice at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher acts for a range of domestic and international clients on a variety of complex disputes, investigations, and transactions. The team often advises on issues as diverse as governance issues, boardroom appointments, and team moves. It also covers workplace restructurings, the employment aspects of corporate/outsourcing arrangements, and restrictive covenant disputes. The group is regularly engaged to provide advice on data privacy matters. Heather Gibbons is another important contact.

Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 6

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is valued by clients for providing comprehensive advice on regulations and industry best practices. Joel Harrison co-chairs the privacy, cybersecurity and data innovation practice, leveraging ‘the most extraordinary knowledge of both technology and the law’ to do so. Robert Spano co-chairs the firm’s dedicated AI group. International data transfers, breaches and disputes are all areas of strength.

Finance > Transport finance and leasing

Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure: Project finance and development

Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency

Worldwide > Antitrust Tier 1

Worldwide > Data protection Tier 1

Worldwide > Energy Tier 1

Worldwide > M&A Tier 1

Worldwide > Private equity Tier 1

Worldwide > Tax Tier 1

Worldwide > White-collar crime Tier 1

Latin America: International firms > International arbitration Tier 3

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has maintained its solid reputation in investment and commercial arbitration, along with its standing in the enforcement of arbitral awards; it has achieved a series of victories on behalf of Crystallex in its efforts to enforce an $1.4bn judgment against Venezuela. The practice frequently acts for US, Europe and Asia-based multinationals against Latin American states and other entities, across a broad range of industries. The team 'inspires a lot of confidence', is 'very dedicated to the case' and has represented clients in a series of cases against the Government of Venezuela in connection with expropriation and breaches of bilateral investment treaties. It has also acted for clients in major claims against the Colombia and Mexico. Rahim Moloo continues to win accolades for his work in big-ticket arbitrations and enforcement proceedings, with Lindsey Schmidt also gaining prominence in the field alongside Charline Yim. All are based in New York.