Dechert LLP > London, England > Firm Profile
Dechert LLP Offices
25 Cannon Street
LONDON
EC4M 5UB
England
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Dechert LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Risk advisory > Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates) Tier 1
The ’seriously impressive’ Dechert LLP white-collar practice provides dedicated expertise on both traditional financial crime and investigations work, along with handling newer areas, such as sanctions, ESG, and cryptocurrencies. The firm has in-depth experience managing cross-border, multi-agency DPAs and corporate settlements with domestic and international authorities- ranging from the SFO to the US DOJ. US qualified practice head Roger Burlingame is an expert on multijurisdictional white-collar criminal defence proceedings. Tim Bowden handles financial and general criminal law matters while Matthew Mazur guides companies through US government investigations. Evan Flowers and John Bedford are also recommended. Partner Caroline Black left in February 2023 and Matthew Banham moved to Seyfarth Shaw LLP.Practice head(s):
Roger Burlingame
Other key lawyers:
Tim Bowden; Matthew Mazur; Evan Flowers; John Bedford; Andris Ivanovs; Richard Hodge
Testimonials
‘The team at Dechert is seriously impressive at all levels. There is subject matter expertise in all related fields which they use collaboratively to provide a top notch service. In an oversaturated market, you can rely on Dechert to have genuine expertise in corporate crime and reg investigations – which they draw from in providing sound strategic and legal advice.’
‘Andris Ivanovs is absolutely stellar on sanctions – any law firm would want him on their team and any client would want him on their legal team. In a super challenging world where many sanctions practitioners are finding their way around sanctions for the first time, Andris is truly a subject matter expert offering both technical and practical advice.’
‘What really impresses me about Dechert is their depth of understanding of both the domestic UK regulatory environment, and the many varied foreign regulatory landscapes. This is a real differentiator when it comes to multi-jurisdictional investigations in complicated and deeply regulated industries like financial services.’
‘Across the partners and associates, I have observed a wide span of expertise and little redundancy or overlaps — this raw diversity enables a very collaborative and satisfying working environment, as everyone needs everyone else to pull their weight to get the job done. The team members are dedicated to each other, as much as they are dedicated to their client.’
‘I have been thoroughly impressed by how well Matthew Mazur and Richard Hodge deal with the incredible complexities, and all the twists and turns that happen along the course of a complex multijurisdictional investigation. They have excellent technical subject matter knowledge, problem solving skills, and a real knack for explaining very complex aspects of the investigation in realistic terms.’
Key clients
Airbus SE
GPT Special Project Management Limited
Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Airbus in its global corruption investigation and negotiated unprecedented €3.6billion multi-jurisdictional settlement.
- Represented GPT Special Project Management Ltd in SFO investigation and subsequent criminal proceedings alleging corruption in government-backed military contracts in Saudi Arabia.
Investment fund formation and management > Hedge funds Tier 2
Dechert LLP provides ‘clear and direct guidance to clients’ including multi-billion dollar managers and smaller industry players. The practice is well versed in advising hedge funds on cross-border operations, advising on the start-up of new funds and related seed funding deals, while supporting existing funds with regulatory, tax and corporate matters. Leading the team is Gus Black, head of the firm’s financial services group. Abigail Bell advises both hedge and hybrid fund structures on investing in a range of asset classes, assisting with a range of corporate documentation, seed funding transactions and regulatory compliance. Craig Borthwick specialises in large-scale fund launches, with particular expertise in managed accounts and co-investment agreements, while Mikhaelle Schiappacasse, head of the firm’s European ESG group, assists hedge funds across a variety of domiciles on complying with sustainability regimes, including Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR).Practice head(s):
Gus Black
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Highly knowledgeable, alert to streamlining opportunities for shared clients, clear and direct guidance to clients.’
‘Craig Borthwick is a particular industry expert in the hedge fund structuring and launch space.’
‘Abigail Bell is the main partner we deal with. She is very commercially minded, she knows the different pressures we have and how best to tackle problems in an efficient manner for our business size. She is a pretty big player in our industry in London.’
‘The staff are focused on understanding your particular situation and concerns, and problem-solving from there. Not quoting from the statute or regulations on why you can’t take this or that approach.’
‘Craig Borthwick has supported us from a start-up, providing us with industry contacts across differing service providers in the UK and offshore. This was vital on launching and later the restructuring of our fund.’
‘The Dechert team has strong experience in fund formation, across a range of different fund structures and in a range of jurisdictions, and is well staffed at all experience levels to provide ongoing management company and regulatory advice that can be relied upon.’
‘Craig Borthwick’s strong understanding of all aspects of fund and management company structuring makes him the go-to advisor, and he always makes himself available to clients. Quick to get to the root of the matter, he offers commercially workable and pragmatic advice, and is willing to draw on his colleague’s experience when needed.’
‘Craig Borthwick played a crucial role in launching a fund under tight time constraints, while providing valuable advice and guidance throughout the process.’
Key clients
All Africa Partners LLP
Almace Asset Management LLP
AlphaMiner Capital
Amundsen Investment Management
Adelio Partner
ARP Capital Partners Limited
Aster Capital Management Limited
Bayforest Capital Limited
BlueBell Partners Limited
BlueCove Limited
Cheyne Capital Management (UK) LLP
EFG Asset Management/New Capital
Eleva Capital LLP
EMFI Capital Limited
EOF Partners
Exor
Eques Partners
FIFTHDELTA
Gemcorp Capital LLP
Genavest Capital Limited
Greentrail Capital
Infusive
Kryger Capital
LeCap Asset Management
Lynx Asset Management
Machina Capital
Maven Securities Limited
Mile End Capital
Nekton Capital
New Wave
Numen Capital
Nyhavn Capital
Odyssean Capital LLP
OxFORD Asset Management Company
Palmerston Capital Management
Palm Lane Capital
SGCM Capital LLP
Soloda Investment Advisors LLP
Sparta Capital Management
System 2 Capital LLP
TT International
Tico Capital
Tresidor Investment Management LLP
Westbeck Capital Management LLP
Work highlights
- Advised FIFTHDELTA on its $1.3bn raise.
- Advised Nekton Capital Limited on the successful launch of their flagship fund.
- Advised Exor on the successful launch of the new Exor Special Opportunities master and feeder sub-funds.
Corporate and commercial > Partnership Tier 3
The ‘highly commercial and thoughtful’ partnership team at Dechert LLP offers a ‘breadth of expertise’ particularly in the financial services and investment management space. Practice head Jason Butwick is a ‘highly commercial and creative’ lawyer and regularly handles the drafting and structuring of partnership and employment documentation, remuneration code matters and partnership, and employment disputes. ‘Expert’ lawyer Daniel Hawthorne specialises in employee taxation and incentivisation matters for corporate and financial services clients. Also of note is Craig Borthwick, whose expertise lies in the formation and structuring of investment funds and fund platforms. Corporate lawyer Jonathan Angell‘s case load includes advising LLPs and their members on amendments to existing membership agreements and regulatory matters.Practice head(s):
Jason Butwick
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Highly commercial and thoughtful, a breadth of expertise.’
‘Jason Butwick is highly commercial and creative, an ideal partner on complex transactions or projects.’
Daniel Hawthorne is an expert on far more than international tax with an excellent breath of knowledge and experience across a range of corporate and commercial matters including, in particular, management incentives.’
‘Dechert lawyers are very good technically and produce good quality, practical advice.’
‘Overall, they have a very broad practice with US and UK full cover and have a collegial approach internally, which helps them to put forward the best team.’
‘Chris Gardener remains an excellent practitioner, with a broad skill set and the ability to capture the right resource at the right skill level when needed.’
‘What stands out and is key about this team is the breadth of service from classic employment matters (contracts/redundancies/employee disputes) to partnership/ LTIP and related tax advice.’
Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 3
Civil fraud practice Dechert LLP is responsible for settling commercial disputes and multinational investigations into fraud and asset recovery. The practice enjoys a diverse clientele, from sovereign wealth funds and global banks to ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWI). Team leader Dorothy Cory-Wright possesses expertise in litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution, while partner Adam Silver is experienced in handling cross-border disputes and enforcement actions.Practice head(s):
Dorothy Cory-Wright
Other key lawyers:
Adam Silver ; Andrew Hearn; Daniel Natoff; Abdul Azeem
Key clients
The Financial Conduct Authority
Nikolay Falin
British American Insurance Company (BAICO)
Société Générale de Banque au Liban
Work highlights
- Advised Dame Elizabeth Gloster on her independent investigation into the FCA’s regulation and supervision of collapsed “mini-bond” issuer London Capital & Finance plc.
- Representing railway freight tycoon Nikolay Falin in a classic €200m+ Russian oligarch tussle over the ownership of two valuable Russian companies.
- Advising the Judicial Manager of BAICO on the registration and enforcement in Trinidad and Tobago of a $125m judgment for breach of fiduciary duty against BAICO’s former chairman/director.
Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: white-collar crime (advice to individuals) Tier 3
The ‘powerhouse white-collar team’ at Dechert LLP represents individual clients from across the world, providing vast expertise on market manipulation, serious fraud, and bribery claims. With an extensive client roster of senior directors, c-suite executives, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, the practice regularly handles domestic investigations brought by the SFO and FCA, as well as international proceedings involving the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and SEC. Practice head Roger Burlingame draws on his experience as a DOJ prosecutor to deal with cross-border white-collar criminal defence proceedings. Matthew Mazur is well versed in internal investigations, while Tim Bowden frequently manages cases involving international fraud. Another name to note includes Evan Flowers, an expert in anti-bribery compliance and AML sanctions.Practice head(s):
Roger Burlingame
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Roger Burlingame was referred to me as the best lawyer in the market for trading related cases in finance and my experience confirmed it – He identified the right strategy in complex situation, mastered complex facts, his experience in trading cases was deep, evident and helpful, He navigated me sure-handedly to a great result, and his experience was evident in achieving the result, he was great at explaining it all and guiding you through, Roger was also v sensitive to the fact that it was a very stressful time.’
‘Dechert LLP has always provided the leadership to the legal firms in India and Indonesia, which I had to rely on respectively.’
‘I have always found the Partners and the Firm to be extremely competent and provides the best advice for me and my colleagues, especially in the Financial Crime space.’
‘Roger Burlingame is a master strategist – it’s a pleasure to watch him at work. Clever, tactical, great with clients and hugely persuasive.’
‘A powerhouse white collar team. Can handle the biggest cases with confidence and care.’
‘Roger Burlingame – hugely experienced, widely respected and pool of knowledge is second to none. Especially strong on cross-border cases and big-ticket work.’
Key clients
“Essex Boys” – independent oil traders associated with Vega Capital London Ltd.
John Hanick, former Fox News Director
James Vorley, former Deutsche Bank precious metals trader
Work highlights
- Represent a group of independent oil traders known in the media as the “Essex Boys” in a market manipulation investigation.
- Represent former Fox News director Jack Hanick, charged with conspiracy to evade Russian sanctions by working with a Russian oligarch to build media outlets throughout Europe.
- Represented James Vorley, a former Deutsche Bank precious metals trader, in a high-profile prosecution for spoofing, which the London white collar team litigated through trial (winning acquittals on most charges) and an appeal to the US Supreme Court.
Employment > Employers Tier 3
Dechert LLP covers both sensitive contentious matters and transactional work, including harassment in the workplace allegations, and support with the employment aspects of M&A deals, often with cross-jurisdictional elements. Jason Butwick, a financial services and regulated industries specialist who handles contractual partnership agreements and SMCR matters, leads the team. He is supported by TUPE expert Charles Wynn-Evans. Further key names include counsels Emma Byford and Jennifer McGrandle.Practice head(s):
Jason Butwick
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Jason Butwick is the standout partner for hedge fund and asset management disputes. He is incredibly experienced, with very good judgment, and what he doesn’t know about the sector isn’t worth knowing. He is my go-to recommendation for disputes in this field.’
‘Jason Butwick is extremely commercial. He is laser-focused on the best outcome for the client.’
‘Jennifer McGrandle is impressive and very experienced. She is one to watch.’
‘Very responsive, good practical advice, well versed on both sides of the arguments.’
‘Emma Byford is great, a plain speaker, calm and commercial’
‘Responsive and highly knowledgeable.’
‘No-nonsense commercial advice.’
‘The team provides an excellent balance of pragmatic employment advice, balanced with strategic litigation guidance.’
Work highlights
Finance > Acquisition finance Tier 3
Following the recent retirement from the partnership of John Markland, Dechert LLP‘s work for its fund-focused client base focuses almost entirely on their role as lenders on acquisition finance mandates. In this context, practice co-heads David Miles and Philip Butler have a ‘great depth of knowledge’, having been involved from the earliest days of the growth of the product, with both capable of handling a range of deals across sectors and quantum for key clients including Ares and Barings. Clients are also appreciative of the overarching ‘team dynamic’, as well as the ‘ability to bring in resources and expertise from other areas of the firm as needed during the course of a transaction’. Smridhi Gulati joined Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP in April 2023.Practice head(s):
Philip Butler; David Miles
Other key lawyers:
Giles Belsey; Sarah Moffat; Bishoy Eskander
Testimonials
‘We trust the Dechert team with our most complex transactions. Their ability to bring in resources and expertise from other areas of the firm as needed during the course of a transaction is invaluable.’
‘The depth of knowledge of the partners and their ability to foresee potential issues and tackle them up front are key.’
‘The team dynamic is excellent and we are routinely impressed by how capable and knowledgeable the senior associates and associates are.’
‘When we work with Philip Butler or David Miles, we can rest assured that there is no safer pair of hands to guide us through any transaction from the most straightforward to the most complex.’
Key clients
Ares Management Limited
Baring Asset Management
CVC Credit Partners
Blackstone Credit
BlackRock
Kartesia
Tikehau
Alcentra
Apollo Asset Management
Permira Credit
LGT Private Debt (UK) Limited
Metric Capital
Cordet Capital
Work highlights
- Acted for Ares Management in connection with its provision of debt funding to support the acquisition of Butlins Skyline Limited by Zenit (Bidco) Limited (a newco formed by the Harris family) from Bourne Leisure Limited (a Blackstone portfolio company).
- Represented longstanding client Barings on the funding to support the acquisition of a majority stake in the CitNOW Group by Livingbridge.
- Advised Kartesia on their provision of debt facilities to a newly incorporated entity (SPV) wholly owned by HIG P.E. to finance the SPV’s acquisition of CPS Building Services.
Finance > Debt capital markets Tier 3
Dechert LLP has 'the most efficient team, great depth of experience and a very commercial approach to getting the job done' and its strong presence in emerging markets debt transactions is due to its 'in-depth knowledge of local, regional and global practices'. 'Incredibly solution-oriented' head of international capital markets Patrick Lyons advises on the US law aspects of the major transactions handled by the London office, while emerging partner talent Jennifer Rees provides English law advice. Associate Amy Rees is 'highly recommended' for her work on complex debt issues and liability management transactions. The team recently assisted JSC Development Bank of Kazakhstan with the issuance of $500m in notes and a simultaneous tender offer for part of its outstanding debt. Another key emerging markets transaction saw the firm advise Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on a $650m notes offering under its GMTN programme.Practice head(s):
Patrick Lyons
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Of all the firms I have worked with in the last 10 years on debt capital market transactions, Dechert offers the most efficient team which has great depth of experience and a very commercial approach to getting the job done. They have in-depth knowledge of local, regional and global practices.’
‘Patrick Lyons is available 24-7 and is incredibly solution-oriented. He commands respect regionally and is always the go to DCM lawyer for most transactions in Oman.’
‘Jennifer Rees and Amy Rees are highly recommended.’
Key clients
JSC Development Bank of Kazakhstan
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Sindicatum Renewable Energy Company PTE
Guarantco
Sultanate of Oman
The Kingdom of Bahrain
JSC “National Company “Kazakhstan Temir Zholy”
Eurohold Bulgaria AD
JSC Ukrainian Railways
BNP Paribas
Work highlights
- Advised JSC Ukrainian Railways in connection with the high-profile consent solicitations in respect of two series of outstanding loan participation notes.
- Advised the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in connection with the establishment of the Kingdom’s Global Medium Term Note Programme and the issuance of U.S.$650 million of notes thereunder.
- Acted as English and U.S. counsel to JSC Development Bank of Kazakhstan in connection with the issuance of U.S.$500 million of Eurobonds and a simultaneous tender offer for outstanding Eurobonds.
Finance > Derivatives and structured products Tier 3
Dechert LLP is a prominent adviser to fund managers on derivatives, though it also acts for investment banks, commercial banks, private equity funds and credit funds on transactional matters, brokerage and regulatory matters. Gus Black, co-chair of the firm's global financial services group and a fund formation specialist, oversees the derivatives group in London, in which John McGrath and Karen Stretch are the standout partners. Stretch, whose work encompasses transactional derivatives and advice on regulatory compliance, 'has a unique capability to synthesise complex issues into salient solutions'. McGrath, whose work spans both transactional matters and advice on disputes concerning derivatives, continues to advise Fondazione Enasarco on the closeout of derivatives positions following the collapse of Lehman Brothers. Senior associate Richard Chapman, who joined from AB Derivatives Advisors Limited, handles prime brokerage, derivatives, trading documentation and associated regulatory issues.Practice head(s):
Gus Black
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Dechert has always been a collaborative firm which is quite refreshing. Partners in London seek input from their colleagues in New York, Washington, DC and Singapore as needed to respond to the complex set of questions posed to them to answer. This is an invaluable service that provides a comprehensive set of legal responses that assist the client in executing their complex business models.’
‘Karen Stretch is by far the best attorney I have worked with in my career. She is efficient with you use of time and understands specifically what her client needs. She has a unique capability to synthesise complex issues into salient solutions for her clients. Her ability to think broadly around concepts her clients have not considered is highly valued. Karen is a delight to work with and has delivered high-quality analysis and work product over many years. She exceeds the level of service of her peers with an extraordinary emotional intelligence that connects deeply with her clients. I am very happy with her service and will continue to use her for all our derivatives work.‘
‘Dechert’s derivatives team provide the perfect balance of current legal and regulatory knowledge combined with understanding of commercial impact on asset management business. This combination makes Dechert a go-to firm for us on all aspects of derivatives and related regulation, from day-to-day queries, to periodic regulatory updates and project work.’
‘The individuals we work with are knowledgeable, approachable, explain complex concepts well and deliver timely advice.’
‘Richard Chapman is one of London’s most talented derivatives lawyers.’
‘Karen Stretch is our go-to person when we face difficulties in reviewing/negotiating derivatives and structured products terms. Karen is always helpful in addressing our concerns (both legal and commercial sometimes) in these areas, she and the Dechert team can always help us spot the most crucial terms and assist us to get more favorable positions in our negotiations in the terms of the financial products.’
Key clients
Cheyne Capital Management (UK) LLP
Work highlights
- Continue to advise Fondazione Enasarco on its long-running dispute with Lehman Brothers Finance SA concerning the close out of a derivative transaction within one of the most complex structured products to be considered by the English courts.
Finance > Securitisation Tier 3
Dechert LLP has a large global finance practice, for which securitisation is a key source of work. Head of structured finance and real estate Aparna Sehgal oversees the London office’s securitisation work, for which John McGrath and Richard Pugh are the standout partners. Noteworthy new additions to the team include Aaron Scott, a structured finance and securitisation specialist who heads up the firm's CLO offering, where he is assisted by counsel Glenn Weston and associate Rory O’Connor. Consequently, the firm has seen growth in CLO transactions and repo securitisations, though it also continued to advise on a wide variety of structures. McGrath and Weston acted for Palmer Square Europe Capital Management LLC in the establishment of a warehouse financing facility, and the issuance of €503m in CLO notes backed by a portfolio of primarily senior secured loans, senior secured bonds, unsecured senior loans, second lien loans, mezzanine obligations and high yield bonds. They also assisted the same client with a €389m CLO deal that included the ‘uptier priming’ concept, which is a new feature in the CLO market.Practice head(s):
Aparna Sehgal
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Palmer Square Europe Capital Management LLC
Anchorage CLO ECM, L.L.C.
Five Arrows Managers LLP
Five Arrows Global Loan Investments PLC
Work highlights
- Advised Palmer Square Europe Capital Management in connection with (a) the establishment of a warehouse financing facility and (b) the issuance by Palmer Square European Loan Funding 2022-1 Designated Activity Company of €503.7m of CLO notes backed by a portfolio of primarily senior secured loans, senior secured bonds, unsecured senior loans, second lien loans, mezzanine obligations and high yield bonds managed by Palmer Square.
- Advised Anchorage CLO ECM in connection with (a) the establishment of a warehouse financing facility and (b) the issuance by Anchorage Capital Europe CLO 6 DAC of €383.8m of CLO notes backed by a portfolio of primarily secured senior loans, secured senior bonds, unsecured senior obligations, mezzanine obligations, second lien loans, corporate rescue loans and high yield bonds managed by Anchorage.
- Advised Five Arrows Managers LLP (“FAM”) and Five Arrows Global Loan Investments PLC (“GLI”) in connection with (a) the establishment of a warehouse financing facility and (b) the issuance by Contego CLO X Designated Activity Company (the “Issuer”) of €305,800,000 of CLO notes backed by a portfolio of primarily secured senior loans, secured senior bonds, unsecured senior obligations, mezzanine obligations, second lien loans, corporate rescue loans and high yield bonds managed by FAM.
Industry focus > Emerging markets Tier 3
Dechert LLP stand out for 'its efficiency, the deep commitment of its lawyers, its transparency and good governance'. The firm has a prominent role in debt issuance and other financing structures in key emerging markets, among them Thailand, Malaysia, Chile, Mexico, Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. Head of International capital markets Patrick Lyons and emerging partner talent Jennifer Rees exhibit 'proven efficiency and knowhow so as to make deals a real success'. They recently acted for BNP Paribas, Citi, JP Morgan, and Deutsche Bank in a dual-tranche debt offering by the Kindom of Morocco, with a total value in excess of $2.5bn. This was the country's first issuance since December 2020. Lyons and outstanding associate Amy Rees assisted JSC Ukrainian Railways on two consent solicitations, concerning a total of $895m in loan participation notes issued by Rail Capital Markets plc. The firm's high-profile work for sovereign issuers included advising the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on its GMTN programme and the issuance of $650m in notes.Practice head(s):
Patrick Lyons
Other key lawyers:
Giles Belsey; Jennifer Rees; Amy Rees
Testimonials
‘The firm has always shown its efficiency, deep commitment of its lawyers, transparency and good governance and the know-how of its teams. Dechert compares favourably with other firms since it is familiar with the Moroccan laws and acquainted with the different views and positions of our department concerning certain legal provisions and issues since it has been involved in several Moroccan bond issues.’
‘Patrick Lyons and Jennifer Rees are the most impressive individuals with whom we have dealt with during the preparation and the execution of all the deals. They have proven efficiency in terms of the tasks that had been assigned to them particularly elaborating due diligence questionnaire, reviewing all legal documentation, showing knowhow with regard to the subject area, providing advice and accompanying our legal adviser so as to make the deals a real success.’
Key clients
JSC Development Bank of Kazakhstan
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Sindicatum Renewable Energy Company PTE
Guarantco
Sultanate of Oman
The Kingdom of Bahrain
JSC “National Company “Kazakhstan Temir Zholy”
Eurohold Bulgaria AD
JSC Ukrainian Railways
BNP Paribas
Thrive Networks
Kinross Gold
M1
Iconix Brand Group, Inc.
QX Global Group
Work highlights
- Advised the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in connection with the establishment of the Kingdom’s Global Medium Term Note Programme and the issuance of U.S.$650 million of notes thereunder.
- Advised the Joint Lead Managers on the Kingdom of Morocco’s U.S.$2.5 billion dual tranche of Notes, due 2028 and 2033.
- Advised JSC Ukrainian Railways on two consent solicitations: one in relation to its U.S.$300 million 7.875%. Loan Participation Notes due 2026; and another relating to its U.S.$594.9 million 8.250% Loan Participation Notes due 2024.
Real estate > Property finance Tier 3
Dechert LLP's practice predominantly concentrates on the lender-side, but extends to acting for these lender clients in their capacity as borrower, or seller, in back-leverage arrangements. Department head Aparna Sehgal leads on loan-on-loans and repurchase facilities, and routinely represents the interests of whole loan and senior lenders, mezzanine debt providers, and both back-leverage counterparties. John McGrath advises banks and buy-side parties on performing and non-performing financial products, often involving enforcement or restructuring of derivatives and securitisations. Richard Pugh is active on commercial mortgage-backed securitisations.Practice head(s):
Aparna Sehgal
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
AGC Equity Partners
Apollo Global Management
BAWAG PSK
Blackstone
Blackrock
Citibank N.A., London Branch
Edmond De Rothschild
Goldman Sachs
Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – small-mid cap Tier 4
Dechert LLP‘s corporate and securities practice group is noted for its equal strength across UK ECM and US securities deals, advising on complex cross-border equity transactions – particularly those on behalf of issuers in the life sciences sector. Patrick Lyons leads the international capital markets team from London.Practice head(s):
Patrick Lyons
Testimonials
‘Patrick Lyons’ approachability, negotiation skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork make him an exceptional practitioner.’
Key clients
Abivax SA
EFG Hermes
Renaissance Capital
Toscafund Asset Management LLP
Oxford BioDynamics plc
Spark Advisory Partners
Cenkos Securities plc
Poxel SA
Bank Audi
Work highlights
- Advised Abivax SA in connection with its successful pricing of an oversubscribed €130 million financing by way of a reserved capital increase, largest private placement for a biotech company listed on Euronext Paris.
- Advised EFG Hermes, as sole global coordinator, and the joint bookrunners on the EGP1.3 billion initial public offering (IPO) of Macro Group Pharmaceuticals, one of the largest Egyptian cosmeceuticals companies.
- Dechert advised Abivax SA in connection with a €49.2 million financing, comprising a private placement of shares and issuance of royalty certificates.
Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 4
Led by Gus Black, the team at Dechert LLP has demonstrable experience advising asset managers on buy-side financial regulatory matters and is well-placed to leverage the firm’s US-law capabilities to handle transatlantic issues. Karen Anderberg advises asset managers on all aspects of US financial services regulatory issues and Katie Carter focuses on the EU and UK regulatory disclosure regimes relating to green financial products, while Colin Sharpsmith joined from Kirkland & Ellis International LLP in September 2022. Other key contacts in the team include Richard Frase and Karen Stretch.Practice head(s):
Gus Black
Other key lawyers:
Richard Frase; Karen Anderberg; Karen Stretch; Katie Carter; Colin Sharpsmith; Simon Wright
Testimonials
‘The Dechert team are responsive and thoughtful, and willing to go the extra mile whenever needed.’
‘Simon Wright ably helped us navigate challenging regulatory processes and been available whenever needed.’
‘Friendly, approachable team with first-rate knowledge.’
‘Exceptionally well prepared for meetings and calls.’
Dispute resolution > Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 4
Dechert LLP boasts an ‘excellent litigation practice’, acting on market-leading multi-jurisdictional banking disputes. Dorothy Cory-Wright leads a team that ‘retains a number of absolutely first-rate disputes lawyers‘, including Adam Silver and ‘stand-out litigator‘ Stephen Surgeoner. At associate level, Ricci Potts and Lisa Borthwick are both ‘responsive and hard-working‘.Practice head(s):
Dorothy Cory-Wright
Other key lawyers:
Adam Silver; Stephen Surgeoner; Ricci Potts; Lisa Borthwick
Testimonials
‘Highly experienced, flexible and hard-working.’
‘Adam Silver has deep experience and is a clever and valued team leader. Well supported by Ricci Potts and Lisa Borthwick – both are responsive and hard-working senior associates.’
‘Excellent litigation practice.’
‘Stephen Surgeoner is a stand out litigator: experienced, sensible, always courteous.’
‘John Bedford is very commercial and switched on.’
‘Dechert retain a number of absolutely first-rate disputes lawyers and have serious strength at senior associate level.’
‘Stephen Surgeoner has market-leading experience, particularly in the cross-over between banking and insurance. He is extremely bright and swiftly gets to the heart of the matter.’
Key clients
Bank Audi S.A.L
Société Générale de Banque au Liban
Banque Libano-Francaise S.AL
Blom Bank S.A.L
Fransbank S.A.L.
Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited
Credit Suisse Asset Management (Switzerland) (Credit Suisse)
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 4
The ‘well coordinated and extremely efficient’ team at Dechert LLP is particularly skilled at handling litigation that spans multiple jurisdictions, regularly acting for multinational corporates, sovereign states, hedge funds, and other financial institutions. Solicitor-advocate Dorothy Cory-Wright leads the team, acting on a wide range of complex commercial litigation and contentious regulatory issues. ‘Litigation heavyweight’ Stephen Surgeoner is key to the team, with a particular focus on financial services, insurance, energy, and telecommunications-related litigation. ‘Very diligent’ Daniel Natoff is highly recommended by clients, with a financial services sector focus.Practice head(s):
Dorothy Cory-Wright
Other key lawyers:
Stephen Surgeoner; Daniel Natoff; Andrew Hearn; John Bedford; Abdul Azeem s/o Abdul Samad
Testimonials
‘The team is very well coordinated and extremely efficient. Capable of dealing effectively with complex cross border litigation with in-depth knowledge of the law and case law swiftly applied to the facts of the case’
‘Daniel Natoff is very diligent and has a very practical approach. Quick on his feet with to the point comments on strategy of the case’
‘Daniel Natoff is valued for commercial understanding and dedication including doggedness to get to the bottom of issues when required’
‘Excellent bench strength’
‘Fantastic team to advise on all litigation and dispute matters. Extremely efficient and in depth knowledge of practice’
‘Daniel Natoff is fantastic and very diligent.’
‘A team that manages to combined heavy weight experience and large clients with a personalised and human approach.’
‘Stephen Surgeoner is a litigation heavyweight. Strongly recommended.’
Key clients
Procurement Bureau of the Republic of China Ministry of National Defence
Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited
Pizza Express Group Limited
Credit Suisse Asset Management (Switzerland) (Credit Suisse)
Insurance > Insurance and reinsurance litigation Tier 4
Solicitor advocate Dorothy Cory-Wright heads up Dechert LLP‘s commercial disputes practice, which is home to insurance litigation experts that represent insureds, captives, insurers and reinsurers on a range of cross-border disputes, including Lloyd’s-related matters and Bermuda Form arbitration. The team handles coverage issues, brokers’ negligence matters, and disputes over complex hybrid reinsurance products. Stephen Surgeoner has over two decades of experience as a commercial litigator within the insurance sector.Practice head(s):
Dorothy Cory-Wright
Other key lawyers:
Stephen Surgeoner; John Bedford; Julie Witham
Testimonials
‘Stephen Surgeoner has years of experience in the field and plenty of insurance expertise.’
‘A focused team with a proactive and pragmatic approach to litigation and, in my experience, excellent communicators with the counsel they instruct.’
‘Stephen Surgeoner is calm in any situation and brings clear-minded judgement to the case. He is pragmatic in approach and sensitive to the commercial interests of the client.’
‘Dorothy Cory-Wright is second-to-none in insurance – she is extremely knowledge and insightful and has a knack for identifying and solving critical points before her peers.’
‘Stephen Surgeoner is a master strategist and has leading technical and interpersonal skills.’
‘John Bedford is able to distill vast levels of information and command market-leading disputes.’
Key clients
Pizza Express Group Limited
Credit Suisse
Investment fund formation and management > Private funds Tier 4
Dechert LLP‘s funds team is recommended for its handling of first-time private equity fund launches and its cross-jurisdictional capability, in close cooperation between the London practice and the firm’s Luxembourg and Ireland teams. Practice head Gus Black is an expert in private equity, private credit and private real estate fund formation and secondaries. Black is supported by ‘great legal mind’ Christopher Gardner, the experienced Thiha Tun and Marianna Tothova, who is dual qualified in England and Wales, and Luxembourg. The firm recently expanded its practice with the addition of Sam Kay, a private equity funds specialist who joined the team from Travers Smith LLP in July 2023.Practice head(s):
Gus Black
Other key lawyers:
Chris Gardner; Nathalie Sadler; Matt Duxbury; Thiha Tun; Marianna Tothova; Claire Bentley; Sam Kay
Testimonials
‘The team has got great depth and there is expertise across the team. They are responsive and reliably produce great product.’
‘Matt Duxbury is great.’
‘Dechert has a market leading private funds practice that encompasses a wide range of asset classes; Dechert also has all of the necessary support departments under one roof (tax, regulatory, derivatives etc.) and is able to provide multi-jurisdictional advice (in particular across UK, Luxembourg and US) to a very high level’
‘Nathalie Sadler: knowledgeable; very responsive and diligent; quickly gets to the heart of the issue
‘Gus Black: one of leading funds lawyers in the market; extremely knowledgeable; aware of all recent market developments; able to devise practical solutions to complex problems under time pressure.’
‘Great experience in fund structuring, collaborative, solution-oriented and responsive’
‘Chris Gardner has a great legal mind and a great solutions-oriented business person. He has worked closely with our team through a transaction that was extremely difficult. Always helpful, responsive and diplomatic.’
‘Excellent partners. Very responsive and commercially aware. Delivery focused.’
Key clients
Graham Partners Inc.
Blixt Partners LLP
Columna Capital LLP
Work highlights
- Advised Graham Partners in its capacity as the general partner of Graham Partners IV L.P., in connection with the exit by GP IV of OptConnect into a continuation fund.
- Advised a global real estate investment manager on the formation of an SFDR-compliant Article 8 private-equity style closed-end, commingled private investment fund targeting real estate assets in a green strategy.
- Advised Blixt Partners LLP on the final closing of Blixt Fund I LP, a Cayman Islands limited partnership, and the structuring of the corresponding carried interest vehicle.
Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 5
Dechert LLP offers key tax expertise across private equity transactions, corporate M&A, and investment management. Highly experienced department head Mark Stapleton is a prominent name in tax matters related to offshore funds and investment management, including at the international and global level. Daniel Hawthorne handles a broad range of transactions, and has additional knowledge of employee taxation. Senior associate Nicolas Kokkinos is a key name.Practice head(s):
Mark Stapleton
Other key lawyers:
Daniel Hawthorne; Nicolas Kokkinos; Mansi Seth
Testimonials
‘The team was always well-prepared for all our meetings, having clearly had pre-meetings beforehand, and often provided a range of options for us to discuss.’
‘People have a friendly yet professional demeanour. They also seem to be extremely knowledgeable in their field.’
‘The team is technically very strong, but also very approachable and personable. This is not always the case with large global firms.’
‘We deal with Mark Stapleton and Dan Hawthorne. Both are technically strong, but very approachable. They believe in fast response times, which is very worthy of note.’
Key clients
Chiesi Farmaceutici
Cerus Endovascular
Work highlights
- Advised Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A. in its definitive agreement to acquire Amryt Pharma Plc in an all-cash transaction valued at US$1.48 billion.
- Advised Cerus Endovascular Limited in its negotiated sale to Stryker Corporation, by way of a scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the United Kingdom Companies Act 2006.
Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 5
Dechert LLP made a series of notable hires for its global antitrust/competition practice in early 2023, with former Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP duo Douglas Lahnborg and Saira Henry joining the firm’s London office alongside other key recruits in the US. The team, which also works in tandem with a strong bench of talent in Brussels, advises a raft of big-name corporates, with recent work including European Commission and CMA investigations and the merger control aspects of major transactions.Practice head(s):
Douglas Lahnborg
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Telenor ASA
Microsoft
Sonos
Work highlights
- Represented Telenor on the merger of the Malaysian mobile telephony operators Digi and Celcom, creating the largest mobile telephony operator in Malaysia and one of the largest listed companies in Malaysia.
Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions – high-value deals (£500m+) Tier 5
Dechert LLP is engaged by various PE firms and sovereign wealth funds for advice on a range of high-value transactions, frequently with a strong cross-border aspect. The London practice is headed up by global PE co-head Christopher Field, whose recent engagements include multi-billion-dollar take-privates and investment deals. Mark Evans is an experienced corporate partner who regularly advises on acquisitions, divestments, and investments for major asset managers. Sam Whittaker - a key contact for some of the team's most high-profile clients - is also recommended.Practice head(s):
Christopher Field
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Ares Management Limited
Brookfield Asset Management
Columna Capital
Davies Group (BC Partners portfolio company)
Further Global Capital Management
GIC
KKR
Metric Capital Partners
MidEuropa
Quilvest Capital Partners
Work highlights
- Advised GIC, as part of an investment consortium, on its US$16 billion take-private acquisition of a media analytics company.
- Advised GIC, as part of a consortium led by Blackstone that includes GIC and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, on (i) the consortium’s partial sale of a 4% stake in London Stock Exchange Group plc (LSEG) to Microsoft; and (ii) its share buyback by the LSEG.
- Advised Quilvest Capital Partners and its portfolio company Phaidon International on its sale to a global investor consortium led by funds managed by Further Global Capital Management.
Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 5
Despite the departure in January 2023 of Solomon Noh and Alastair Goldrein to Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, Dechert LLP maintains a strong offering for both creditors and debtors where it displays a ‘high level of technical excellence, in both UK and multi-jurisdictional situations‘. Leveraging the firm’s rich heritage in the asset management space, funds-related work informs much of the deal flow, both for private equity sponsors and credit funds. Praised for her ‘thorough and business-oriented’ approach and her ability ‘to build consensus’, Kay Morley is key to the success, regularly acting for distressed investors seeking to realise value in European distressed scenarios, as well as for private equity portfolio companies as debtors. Team head Adam Plainer ‘brings common sense, commerciality and plain speaking to any situation’, be it on behalf of distressed investors, junior and senior lenders or IPs.Practice head(s):
Adam Plainer
Other key lawyers:
Kay Morley; Adam Silver; Tayyibah Arif
Testimonials
‘The team is diverse and provides hands-on, clear and thorough advice.’
‘Very client focused, technically excellent and responsive.’
‘High level of technical excellence, in both UK and multi-jurisdictional situations.‘
‘Adam Plainer is experienced, committed to his clients, technically very strong and commercial.’
‘Adam Plainer is an exceptional practitioner who brings common sense, commerciality and plain speaking to any situation.’
‘Kay Morley is very approachable, sharp, thorough and business-oriented.’
‘Kay Morley is very calm and insightful, and brings great influence to build consensus.’
‘Adam Silver – Technically very strong and very dedicated.’
Key clients
Noteholders of Public Joint-Stock Company Commercial Bank “PrivatBank”
Funds managed by Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited
Davidson Kempner
Citadel
Elliott Associates
Alden Global Capital
Monarch Alternative Capital LP
Eurohold Bulgaria AD
Sindicatum Renewable Energy Company PTE
JSC Ukrainian Railways
Duncan MacInnes & 465 SI Limited (“465 SI”)
Kevin Hellard and Amanda Wade, as trustees in bankruptcy of Derek Hood (Tuke proceedings)
Work highlights
- After PrivatBank, the largest commercial bank in Ukraine, was placed into “temporary administration” and then nationalised under Ukrainian law, advised various noteholders on two related LCIA arbitration and English High Court proceedings relating to the sums due under Loan Participation Notes indirectly issued by PrivatBank through an SPV and purportedly “bailed-in”.
- Advised the joint trustees in bankruptcy of Derek Hood who is the former owner and director of JD Classics, the largest classic car dealership in Europe.
- Advised Mr MacInnes and 465 SI on the restructuring of their assets in order to satisfy a judgment of over £11 million obtained by Xenfin Fund 1 Trading Limited.
Corporate and commercial > M&A: Upper Mid-Market And Premium Deals, £750m+ Tier 6
The ‘experienced’ lawyers in the corporate and securities team at Dechert LLP regularly advise on domestic and cross border transactions in industries such as financial services, life sciences and healthcare and TMT. Practice co-chair Christopher Field has significant experience working on cross-border corporate carve-outs, IPOs, acquisitions and disposals. Co-heading the team with Field is Adam Levin whose client base consists of high-net-worth individuals, international corporations and private equity firms. Highly praised in the market is US-qualified Douglas Getter . Ross Montgomery and Sam Whittaker are other key lawyers.Practice head(s):
Christopher Field; Adam Levin
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Experienced, courteous, patient, able to anticipate critical situations and fair-minded – these are but some of the qualities that make the team at Dechert stand out.’
‘The team has good skills, very good knowledge of the business, great flexibility and excellent engagement.’
‘Doug Getter and Ross Montgomery are experienced M&A lawyers and great partners for our business. They are truly collaborative and take pride in getting the correct lawyers for each matter we need whether it is tax, employment, capital markets or governance.’
Key clients
Bentley Systems
BXR Group
Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A
Connexa Sports Technologies, Inc.
Davies Group
GIC
Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, S.A. (OTE)
Iconix Brand Group, Inc.
Kinross Gold Corporation
Phoenix Insurance Company
Work highlights
- Advised GIC, the sovereign wealth fund of Singapore, as part of an investment consortium, on its US$16 billion take-private acquisition of a media analytics company.
- Advised GIC, as part of a consortium led by Blackstone that includes GIC and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, on the consortium’s partial sale of a 4% stake in London Stock Exchange Group plc (LSEG) to Microsoft and its share buyback by the LSEG.
- Advised Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Italy, on its US$1.48 billion acquisition of Amryt Pharma plc by way of an English scheme of arrangement.
Employment > Senior executives
Dechert LLP > Firm Profile
Dechert is a global law firm that advises asset managers, financial institutions and corporations on issues critical to managing their business and their capital – from high-stakes litigation to complex transactions and regulatory matters. We answer questions that seem unsolvable, develop deal structures that are new to the market and protect clients’ rights in extreme situations. Our 1,000+ lawyers across 21 offices globally focus on the financial services, private equity, private credit, real estate, life sciences and technology sectors.
Our London office first opened its doors in 1972, though Dechert’s roots in the UK stretch back to the 1930s. The office has grown to more than 160 lawyers and other legal professionals.
Our lawyers help clients from all major sectors achieve their commercial aims.
Reflecting London’s role as a global business hub, our lawyers are qualified to practice in a wide array of jurisdictions in addition to our core English law practice.
For example, we are one of the few law firms with a full-service US corporate practice in London, which advises domestic and international clients on a broad spectrum of US regulatory and transactional issues.
For additional information about our London office, please visit dechert.com/london.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
London Managing Partner | Gus Black | [email protected] |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Mr Camille Abousleiman | Mr. Abousleiman has a 30-year track record of advising on some of… | View Profile | |
Ms Karen Anderberg | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Jonathan Angell | Jonathan Angell represents both listed and unlisted companies, equity finance providers and… | View Profile | |
Mr Matthew Banham | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr John Bedford | Partner | View Profile | |
Ms Abigail Bell | Abigail Bell advises on the structuring, establishment and listing of private funds… | View Profile | |
Mr Giles Belsey | Giles Belsey focuses his practice on financial services matters, with a particular… | View Profile | |
Mr Gus Black | Partner | View Profile | |
Ms Lisa Borthwick | Associate | View Profile | |
Mr Craig Borthwick | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Timothy Bowden | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Tim Bowden | Partner | View Profile | |
Ms Laura Brank | Laura Brank is a corporate and finance lawyer focused on emerging markets… | View Profile | |
Mr Roger Burlingame | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Philip Butler | View Profile | ||
Mr Jason Butwick | Jason Butwick, managing partner of Dechert’s London office, practises in all aspects… | View Profile | |
Ms Emma Byford | Counsel | View Profile | |
Ms Katie Carter | PARTNER | View Profile | |
Mr Richard Chapman | Associate | View Profile | |
Ms Dorothy Cory-Wright | Partner | View Profile | |
Ms Alison Couchman | Associate | View Profile | |
Mr Mark Evans | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Christopher Field | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Evan Flowers | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Richard Frase | Richard Frase advises on all aspects of financial services law. He has… | View Profile | |
Mr Christopher Gardner | Christopher Gardener’s practice focuses on the structuring and establishment of private funds… | View Profile | |
Mr Douglas Getter | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Daniel Hawthorne | Daniel Hawthorne acts for a broad range of corporate and financial services… | View Profile | |
Mr Andrew Hearn | Andrew Hearn is an experienced commercial litigator whose work is national and… | View Profile | |
Mr Richard L. Heffner, Jr. | Partner. Richard Heffner, an English solicitor and U.S. qualified attorney, advises on… | View Profile | |
Ms Saira Henry | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Paul Kavanagh | Paul Kavanagh focuses his practice on all matters relating to intellectual property.… | View Profile | |
Mr Sam Kay | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Edward Kling | Edward Kling concentrates his practice on complex international deals, litigation and arbitration… | View Profile | |
Mr Nicolas Kokkinos | Associate | View Profile | |
Mr Douglas Lahnborg | PARTNER | View Profile | |
Mr Adam Levin | Adam Levin focuses his practice on advising ultra high net worth individuals,… | View Profile | |
Mr Patrick Lyons | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr John Markland | View Profile | ||
Mr Stuart Martin | Stuart Martin has more than 20 years extensive experience advising international financial… | View Profile | |
Mr Matthew Mazur | Partner | View Profile | |
Ms Jennifer McGrandle | Counsel | View Profile | |
Mr John McGrath | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr David Miles | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Ross Montgomery | Partner | View Profile | |
Ms Kay Morley | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Daniel Natoff | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Rory O’Connor | Associate | View Profile | |
Mr Adam Plainer | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Ricci Potts | Associate | View Profile | |
Mr Richard Pugh | Partner | View Profile | |
Ms Jennifer Rees | Partner | View Profile | |
Ms Amy Rees | Associate | View Profile | |
Ms Mikhaelle Schiappacasse | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Aaron Scott | Partner | View Profile | |
Ms Judith Seddon | Partner | View Profile | |
Ms Aparna Sehgal | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Colin Sharpsmith | PARTNER | View Profile | |
Mr Adam Silver | Adam Silver focuses his practice on commercial and financial litigation, fraud and… | View Profile | |
Mr Nathan Smith | Associate | View Profile | |
Mr Mark Stapleton | Mark Stapleton advises on UK and international direct and indirect taxation issues.… | View Profile | |
Ms Karen Stretch | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Stephen Surgeoner | Partner | View Profile | |
Ms Marianna Tothova | Partner | View Profile | |
Ms Dona Treska | Associate | View Profile | |
Mr Thiha Tun | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Glenn Weston | Counsel | View Profile | |
Mr Sam Whittaker | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Charles Wynn-Evans | PARTNER AND INTERNATIONAL GENERAL COUNSEL | View Profile |
Languages
More than 30 languagesClient Testimonials
CLIENT:
COMPANY/FIRM: Citigroup
TESTIMONIAL: “Dechert consistently provides differentiating legal advice, particularly on large, complex transactions.”
CLIENT:
COMPANY/FIRM: Sun Capital
TESTIMONIAL: “The firm did a great job throughout the entire process. They have been proactive and delivered quality advice. As always, a pleasure working with such a great team.”
CLIENT:
COMPANY/FIRM: Credit Suisse
TESTIMONIAL: “We continually have the highest degree of confidence in the work product and coverage of the Dechert team, and they are always a pleasure to work with.”
CLIENT:
COMPANY/FIRM: Saint-Gobain
TESTIMONIAL: “Saint-Gobain frequently turns to Dechert to defend the company in its most consequential, high-stakes litigation in the United States. Their sophistication, depth of experience, and legal creativity – especially in the area of complex mass tort litigation, is simply unrivalled. When the case is unprecedented and alleged to be perilous, there is no better partner to have in the trenches than Dechert.”
Client Testimonials
CLIENT:
COMPANY/FIRM: Citigroup
TESTIMONIAL: “Dechert consistently provides differentiating legal advice, particularly on large, complex transactions.”
CLIENT:
COMPANY/FIRM: Sun Capital
TESTIMONIAL: “The firm did a great job throughout the entire process. They have been proactive and delivered quality advice. As always, a pleasure working with such a great team.”
CLIENT:
COMPANY/FIRM: Credit Suisse
TESTIMONIAL: “We continually have the highest degree of confidence in the work product and coverage of the Dechert team, and they are always a pleasure to work with.”
CLIENT:
COMPANY/FIRM: Saint-Gobain
TESTIMONIAL: “Saint-Gobain frequently turns to Dechert to defend the company in its most consequential, high-stakes litigation in the United States. Their sophistication, depth of experience, and legal creativity – especially in the area of complex mass tort litigation, is simply unrivalled. When the case is unprecedented and alleged to be perilous, there is no better partner to have in the trenches than Dechert.”
Diversity
“Actionable allyship moves beyond passive solidarity and requires speaking up or intervening during acts of marginalization, even at the risk of backlash or negative consequences. As catalysts for change, Dechert remains committed to doing our part in fighting systemic racism, social injustice and inequity.”
Satra Sampson-Arokium, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer
- Using his voice to take a powerful stand, our Chief Executive Officer, Henry Nassau, published a Leaders at the Front Pledge. His pledge is a bold action plan to create meaningful and measurable changes at Dechert and within the legal industry. Read his pledge here on the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity’s website.
- In 2021, Dechert became one of the first firms to pilot the Mansfield Rule in the UK. The Mansfield Rule, overseen by Diversity Lab, has become the standard by which U.S. law firms track and measure their diversity.
- Dechert was the first law firm to sign the Business Statement Opposing Anti-LGBTQ State Legislation, taking a stance against discrimination of LGBTQ people in proposed U.S. legislation.
By the Numbers
- 43% of the Policy Committee [senior leadership team] are women or diverse partners.
- 52% of the lawyers most recently promoted to partner [effective January 1, 2022] are women.
- 44% of our global offices are managed by women or diverse partners.
- 25% of partners globally are women.
- 74% of our most recent Fall 2021 class of new associates in the U.S. are women or diverse.
Key Initiatives
Aspiring Solicitors
Dechert is an Affiliate Partner of Aspiring Solicitors (AS). 2021 marks the fifth successful year of Dechert’s sponsorship of the organization’s national Commercial Awareness Competition, with the winners offered a vacation scheme and opportunity to interview for a training contract at Dechert.
Diversity and Inclusion Week
During the firm’s second annual DEI Week, Dechert hosted a conversation with Dr. Makaziwe Mandela, the eldest daughter of President Mandela, who shared insights on her family’s work to bring greater unity to the world. Our community also joined in to connect across differences and inspired each other to take a break by sharing their favorite vacation or staycation photo, making a difference with acts of kindness, and some other lighthearted and fun moments
Sponsorship and Sustained Support (SASS) Program
Through our Global Women’s Initiative, we continued to identify and implement initiatives that promote opportunities for women to advance and lead throughout the firm. We continued to organize our SASS women into several cohorts led by partner faculty. SASS cohorts are designed to provide support and actionable skills as women continue learning and networking together to navigate the path to partnership.
Inclusive Leadership
Commitment to diversity and inclusion stems from the top. Our partners have been participating in interactive sessions on inclusive leadership since 2018. In 2021, the training expanded to the entire Dechert community. We covered such issues as affinity bias, attribution bias, covering, in and out groups, actionable allyship, unconscious bias, and inclusive leadership in times of crisis. Individuals participate in interactive sessions that center around dramatizations that prompt conversations, challenge stereotypes, and inspire change.
Comparative Guides
-
United States: Alternative Investment Funds
Published: September 2024
Authors: Christopher D. Christian
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Alternative Investment Funds laws and regulations applicable in United States.
-
Germany: Alternative Investment Funds
Published: September 2024
Authors: Angelo LercaraMichael Bayr
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Alternative Investment Funds laws and regulations applicable in Germany.
-
Hong Kong: Alternative Investment Funds
Published: September 2024
Authors: Michael Wong The author would like to thank Nicole Yeung for her contributions to this chapter.
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Alternative Investment Funds laws and regulations applicable in Hong Kong.
-
Luxembourg: Alternative Investment Funds
Published: September 2024
Authors: Patrick GoebelChristine Renner
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Alternative Investment Funds laws and regulations applicable in Luxembourg.
-
Ireland: Alternative Investment Funds
Published: September 2024
Authors: Ciara O’LearyThe author would like to thank Tinomuda Wekare for her contributions to this chapter.
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Alternative Investment Funds laws and regulations applicable in Ireland.
-
United Kingdom: Alternative Investment Funds
Published: September 2024
Authors: Abigail BellDaniel HawthorneThiha Tun
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Alternative Investment Funds laws and regulations applicable in United Kingdom.
-
Preserving Directors’ Business Judgment Despite Encroaching ESG Mandates
Published: May 2024
Authors: Richard Horvath Stephen Leitzell
- Risk advisory > Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates)
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Investment fund formation and management > Hedge funds
Firm Rankings
- Corporate and commercial > Partnership
- Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil
- Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: white-collar crime (advice to individuals)
- Employment > Employers
- Finance > Acquisition finance
- Finance > Debt capital markets
- Finance > Derivatives and structured products
- Finance > Securitisation
- Industry focus > Emerging markets
- Real estate > Property finance
- Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – small-mid cap
- Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory
- Dispute resolution > Banking litigation: investment and retail
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium
- Insurance > Insurance and reinsurance litigation
- Investment fund formation and management > Private funds