Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP > London, England > Firm Profile

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 1

Acting in bet-the-company disputes worldwide, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP’s international arbitration team in London ‘manages to get resoundingly successful outcomes’. Encompassing both commercial and investor-state disputes, the practice’s expertise covers the gamut of arbitration work; it excels in appointing and challenging arbitrators, liaising with arbitral institutions and resolving jurisdiction issues, as well as drafting arbitration agreements, pleading cases, undertaking advocacy at hearings, and enforcing and challenging arbitration awards. Europe international litigation and arbitration group head since July 2023, Kate Davies KC is an international commercial and investment treaty arbitration expert, who is experienced in both institutional and ad hoc arbitrations. Commercial arbitration and investment treaty disputes specialist Daniel Gal KC has particular experience in multi-jurisdictional disputes involving the Middle East, Turkey, Russia and Brazil. Bruce Macaulay‘s caseload includes both international arbitration and cross-border litigation. The practice further comprises Devika Khopkar, who has notable experience in investor-state arbitrations and India-related disputes. Promoted to partner in April 2024, Nicholas Adams acts in financial, technology, energy and telecoms-related disputes. David Edwards departed the firm in December 2023, while David Kavanagh KC retired in June 2024.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 2

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP is a leading name in tax issues relating to M&A, advising leading corporates and investors in highly complex domestic and international mandates. The group demonstrates expertise across numerous sectors, including insurance, technology, and financial services. European tax head James Anderson leads the team, and is described by clients as ‘pragmatic, commercial, responsive’. Anderson covers a broad range of capital markets matters, and is a noted thought leader in cutting-edge tax issues such as space taxation. Jisun Choi, who made partner in 2024, specialises in M&A and group restructurings, and contributes key expertise in the retail, insurance, and reinsurance industries.

Corporate and commercial > M&A: Upper Mid-Market And Premium Deals, £750m+ Tier 2

With strong M&A and PE capabilities – anchored by a deep bench of advisers with extensive sector experience – Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP is routinely instructed by blue chip corporations and financial sponsors across myriad sectors, including financial services, pharmaceutical, telecoms and insurance. The team excels in transatlantic corporate deals, boasting strong capabilities in cross-border M&A and US inbound transactions. Team leaders include Lorenzo Corte, who specialises in cross-border transactions, contested takeovers, de-SPAC transactions and corporate governance work; Katja Butler, a private equity specialist; and George Knighton, who offers significant expertise in M&A, private equity and restructuring transactions. Simon Toms is recommended for his experience advising on transactions involving public bids. Also noted for their broad practice is Denis Klimentchenko, who is involved in various high-profile transactions, and Sarah Knapp, who continues to assist on a range of transactions. Both Scott Hopkins and John Adebiyi have retired.

Finance > Debt capital markets Tier 2

The London DCM practice at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP is 'very strong and has a broad range of skills'. Highly regarded for its advice to issuers, underwriters and many other market participants on complex, cross-border deals, particularly Yankee bonds, the firm benefits from extensive English and US law capability in its London office. 'First-class' European head of capital markets Danny Tricot is the lead partner, and his recent work includes high-value pre-IPO bonds for a large social media business of €500m sustainability-linked bond issue for major telecom company, and a multibillion-dollar commercial paper programme for a medical technology company. Tricot is ably supported by James Michelson, and new partner hire Noel Hughes, who joined  from Linklaters LLP in late 2023, and has notable expertise in debt liability management.

Insurance > Insurance: corporate and regulatory Tier 2

Characterised by its strong insurance sector M&A work, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP is considered a transactional powerhouse. It also advises clients on reinsurance matters, regulatory issues, debt and equity market transactions, and regulatory capital and financing arrangements. Practice head Robert Chaplin is highly regarded in the area and has extensive experience in transactions involving financial sponsors and their insurers and portfolio companies. Chaplin is supported by Benjamin Lyon, who joined the practice in February 2024 from Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, and excels in M&A, capital raising and reinsurance transactions, as well as being knowledgeable about the insurtech sector.

Risk advisory > Corporate governance Tier 2

A number of high-profile investors, sponsors, and corporates turn to Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP for its expertise in governance matters. The team advises on significant domestic and global M&A transactions, while also delivering strategic guidance to boards of directors and advice on corporate disclosures, shareholder activism, and listing regulations. Practice head George Knighton is noted for his capabilites concerning both public and private M&A, alongside private equity deals and governance concerns. Scott Hopkins and Elizabeth Robertson have retired from the firm.

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

The US and UK equity capital markets team at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP serves as a key port of call for a wide roster of European and UK issuer-side clients seeking advice on IPOs, listings, and secondary share offerings on American exchanges. The practice is well-versed in handling dual listings, redomiciliations, and cross-border public and private placements, and it also regularly advises issuers and underwriters on early-stage fundraisings in the tech sector. Danny Tricot heads up the team and is well-regarded for his ability to advise on IPOs and secondary fundraisings in growth markets. Public M&A expert Adam Howard is also a name to note. Pranav Trivedi retired in December 2023.

Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions – high-value deals (£500m+) Tier 3

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP supports clients across the full range of M&A and PE deals, complementing its transactional prowess with expert knowledge across a multitude of sectors. Practice head Richard Youle is routinely engaged by financial sponsors and their portfolio companies, with recent highlights including high-end mandates in infrastructure, IT and software, and financial services. Co-head of the firm’s UK corporate practice, Katja Butler is praised as ‘dynamic, effervescent, and relentlessly positive’, advising on a wealth of transactions, including strategic bolt-ons, reinvestments, and disposals. Steven Hannah’s considerable sector breadth and ability to oversee complex leveraged buyouts, investments and disposals ensures that he is sought out by an array of European and global PE outfits, while Sandro de Bernardini is praised as ‘proactive, knowledgeable, and very practical in his approach.’ George Gray’s practice balances both domestic and cross-border deals, as well as instructions related to corporate governance. Noted for her experience working with funds and sovereign-wealth backed investors, Emma Ghaffari joined the team from A&O Shearman in July 2023.

Dispute resolution > Public international law Tier 3

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP routinely acts in investment treaty arbitrations that feature public international law and treaty interpretation issues. It also advises on US, UK and European Union economic sanctions, in relation to Russia, Iran, Syria and Venezuela; and represents states in inter-state matters. Ryan Junck leads the firm’s international white-collar defense and investigations practice; and Europe international litigation and arbitration group leader Kate Davies KC and Daniel Gal KC all act in investment treaty arbitrations. In December 2023, Elizabeth Robertson departed to launch a business crime and investigations firm, while David Kavanagh KC retired in June 2024.

Dispute resolution > Tax litigation and investigations Tier 3

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP specialises in high value tax disputes of a highly complex, international nature. Transfer pricing and matters relating to state aid are within the team’s scope, which provides full support in litigation and ADR procedures. James Anderson, who leads the firm’s European tax practice, jointly heads the department alongside Kate Davies KC, noted for her skill in arbitration.

Employment > Employee share schemes Tier 3

The practice at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP is led by Louise Batty and is well placed to advise its roster of clients on the impact of high-value transactions, including takeovers and acquisitions, on incentives and compensatory schemes. Batty is experienced advising on a broad range of related aspects, from tax to trusts issues. Design, implementation and operation specialist Kate Crompton is a key name to note in the team, while Katie Barnes has experience advising well-known names and FTSE companies on equity incentives and remuneration matters at a global level.

Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans Tier 3

Led by Pete Coulton, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP's European banking group has excellent credibility among large corporates from a range of industry sectors, regularly advising them across their funding requirements, from general working capital and refinancings through to event-driven financings, including for M&A purposes. Within this context, the team is adept at structuring transactions which use debt throughout the capital structure, including syndicated TLB, second lien and private credit. Clive Wells is a key member of the team and recently advised clients including a Fortune 500 global science and technology innovator.

Finance > High yield Tier 3

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP is one of a select group of firms that can handle the full range of public and private financings in the US and Europe, with an integrated team of New York and English law qualified partners in London. European head of capital markets Danny Tricot oversees the high yield practice, in which James McDonald is the standout partner. He recently acted for an oil and gas client in its first issuance of high yield bonds. The hire of Noel Hughes from Linklaters LLP adds significant expertise in leveraged financing, high yield debt and debt liability management transactions in both the European and US markets.

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

Ryan Junck heads up the ‘admirable‘ global white-collar defence and investigations team at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP, which stands out for its strength in cross-border and multijurisdictional matters. Junck regularly advises on compliance reviews and corporate governance matters, and his expertise encompasses insider trading, financial fraud, corruption, and money laundering issues. Andrew Good is regularly instructed by financial institutions facing SEC and DoJ investigations, while Vanessa McGoldrick is a name to note for cross-border regulatory and criminal bribery and corruption, tax evasion, and money laundering matters. Elizabeth Robertson left the team in December 2023.

Finance > Acquisition finance Tier 4

Well versed in structuring deals which use debt products throughout the capital structure, including syndicated TLB, second lien and high yield bonds, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP regularly advises on leveraged/acquisition finance matters for the firm’s institutional array of big-ticket corporates as well as numerous high-profile financial sponsors and family offices. Team head Pete Coulton is a versatile finance lawyer whose work covers big-ticket syndicated mandates for sponsors and investment-grade corporates, while Clive Wells handles financing particularly for life sciences clients. The ability to service the firm’s funds clients was recently enhanced by the arrival of Sebastian FitzGerald from Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP in January 2024.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Fintech: corporate and commercial Tier 4

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP is trusted by major financial institutions, new market entrants and investors to handle a range of work, including major acquisitions, series fundings and corporate reorganisations. Practice head Simon Toms counts cross-border public and private M&A work and joint ventures among his practice strengths. Joseph Kamyar, who joined from A&O Shearman in October 2023, is active across mandates such as exits, fundraisings and governance matters. Danny Tricot and Richard Youle are further names to note.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Fintech: regulatory Tier 4

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP is geared to advise on an array of cross-border regulatory matters, and is notably adept at assisting blockchain and cryptoasset clients with the navigation of  domestic and international regulatory and securities regimes. Practice head Simon Toms is well versed in the intricacies of the cryptoasset regulatory framework. Joseph Kamyar is well placed to advise on regulatory issues connected to the custody of crypto assets. Abigail Reeves is a further name to note.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 5

Working with a host of international clients, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP is active in multijurisdictional disputes across highly regulated sectors. The team handles litigation related to M&A and commercial contracts, as well as joint venture and shareholder disputes. Kate Davies KC leads the team, while Daniel Gal KC is another key silk within the team. Bruce Macaulay boasts an active cross-border disputes practice, regularly handling multijurisdictional litigation and international arbitration. Nicholas Adams was promoted to partner in April 2024. David Edwards left the firm in December 2023.

Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 5

Although it is a relatively small core team in London, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP is often engaged in high-profile mandates, working in a co-ordinated fashion with finance, corporate and litigation practitioners, as well as other international offices. As well as regularly handling bondholder committee mandates, the team also often works alongside its accomplished US practice on Chapter 11 debtor work, much of which flows from the firm's stellar corporate client base. Team head Peter Newman has detailed knowledge of US and English restructuring and insolvency procedures and how these interact with various jurisdictions in continental Europe. Dual UK and US-qualified partner Nicole Stephansen is also a key member of the team and excels in providing creative capital solutions for distressed  companies.

Investment fund formation and management > Private funds Tier 5

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP continues to act for sponsor and investor clients on complex and innovative mandates, covering the formation, structuring, and operational aspects of funds. The team is also capable in GP-led secondary transactions, including continuation funds. Greg Norman has helped to develop the practice’s ESG offering by providing critical regulatory advice to his clients.