Dechert LLP has an ‘experienced, proactive, flexible , dedicated, fully available’ DCM group in London, where it is regarded as a key adviser on emerging market sovereign debt capital market transactions, including Shariah-compliant transactions. Practice head Patrick Lyons, Jennifer Rees and Amy Rees constitute ‘a formidable team that is available around the clock to advise clients with complex structuring of both bonds and sukuk’. As well as new issuance for sovereigns and state-owned entities, the firm also handles significant liability management exercises, including buy backs, consent solicitations, exchange offers and tender offers.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Experienced, proactive, flexible, dedicated, fully available.’

  • ‘They defend their clients very well.’

  • ‘Having worked with all magic circle firms on DCM transactions, in my view, Dechert's team is miles ahead of them. Patrick Lyons, Jennifer Rees and Amy Rees make up a formidable team that is available around the clock to advise clients. Patrick is fantastic all-round on bonds and sukuk issuances while Jennifer is indispensable on bond issuances.’

  • ‘Patrick Lyons is incredible to work with; extremely knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. Patrick is complemented by Jennifer Rees on the bond side of transactions. Both of these individuals are at the top of their game.’

  • 'Dechert was frequently mandated by our bookrunners as adviser with regard to several of our sovereign bond issues, launched in the international financial market. The firm has always shown its efficiency, deep commitment of its lawyers, transparency and good governance and the know-how of its teams.;

  • 'Patrick Lyons and Jennifer Rees are the most impressive individuals with whom we have dealt with during the preparation and the execution of all of our deals.'

Key clients

  • BNP Paribas
  • Citi
  • Deutsche Bank
  • Kingdom of Bahrain
  • Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
  • J.P. Morgan Securities plc
  • Standard Chartered Bank
  • Sultanate of Oman
  • Republic of Albania
  • Arab Republic of Egypt
  • Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement (the West African Development Bank, or BOAD)
  • Eurohold Bulgaria AG
  • Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC
  • Arab Banking Corporation B.S.C.
  • JSC Development Bank of Kazakhstan
  • JSC Ukrainian Railways
  • JSC National Company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy
  • Bank Muscat SAOG
  • HSBC Bank plc

Work highlights

  • Acted as international counsel to the Arab Republic of Egypt in connection with its issuance of its RMB 3.5 billion 3.51% Guaranteed Sustainable Panda Bonds due 2026.
  • Acted as English and U.S. counsel to the Republic of Albania, acting through its Ministry of Finance and Economy, on the issuance of its €600 million 5.900% Notes due 9 June 2028.
  • Advised Joint Lead Arrangers Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC, J.P. Morgan Securities plc and Standard Chartered Bank on the establishment by Energy Development Oman SAOG’s Trust Certificate Issuance Programme (and the issuance thereunder); and its Global Medium Term Note Programme.

Lawyers

Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Patrick Lyons

Other key lawyers

Jennifer Rees, Amy Rees