Mayer Brown International LLP is 'very proactive in understanding client legal needs and providing bespoke advice, guidance and documentation in complex transactions'. Clients remark that the lawyers 'put themselves into client's shoes and anticipate issues ahead of time, and their responsiveness is quite unique'. The firm handles a vast array of work from London, including anti-bribery and corruption matters, sanctions advice, arbitration, litigation, a diverse range of financings, IP, and M&A deals. Head of the Africa and mining practices Ian Coles, natural resources and infrastructure partner Rachel Speight and finance partner Ashley McDermott are the standout partners. McDermott acted for Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (TDB) in a $600m syndicated, secured landmark facility for Trafigura relating to financing facilities with copper and cobalt producer Chemaf SA, which is based in the Democratic Republic of Congo). Head of international arbitration Raid Abu-Manneh was part of a team that advised Malaysia energy company Petronas on the sale of its upstream business in South Sudan. Islamic finance specialist Barry Cosgrave, counsel Danuta de Vries, who focuses on domestic and international finance transactions, and senior associate Emma Sturt also play key roles in the practice. New partner hire Peter Pears from Clifford Chance LLP brings a strong track record in emerging markets debt transactions.