Dechert LLP is known for ‘efficiency, deep commitment of its lawyers, transparency and good governance’ in debt capital markets work in emerging markets. Head of international capital markets Patrick Lyons, the ‘indispensable’ Jennifer Rees and standout associate Amy Rees ‘make up a formidable team that is available to advise clients with complex structuring of both bonds and sukuk’. They recently handled a $2.5bn bond issue in Morocco for the lead arrangers. Laura Brank leads the emerging markets M&A practice from London, which recently advised major European corporates on the sale of assets in Russia.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Patrick Lyons, Jennifer Rees and Amy Rees make up a formidable team that is available to advise clients with complex structuring of both bonds and sukuk. 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 and, with Patrick at the helm, are definitely the leading firm for DCM transactions in Oman.’

  • 'The firm has always shown its efficiency, deep commitment of its lawyers, transparency and good governance, and the know-how of its teams. Dechert LLP compares favourably in regard to the other firms since it is familiar with the Moroccan laws.'

  • '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.'

  • ‘Litigators Adam Silver and Ricci Potts are excellent.’

  • ‘Very responsive, the team is available on short notice, and has great experience in the African region. Combination of expertise of different teams to provide an advice.’

  • ‘Giles Belsey, Patrick Lyons, Jennifer Rees are available, helpful, practical.’

  • ‘Excellence, dedication and experience.’

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
  • Bank Audi S.A.L.
  • Société Générale de Banque au Liban
  • Banque Libano-Francaise S.A.L.
  • Blom Bank S.A.L.
  • Fransabank S.A.L.
  • BankMed S.A.L.
  • Byblos Bank S.A.L.
  • RCI Banque
  • Abris Capital Partners
  • Hellenic Telecommunications

Work highlights

  • Acted as international counsel to the Arab Republic of Egypt in connection with its issuance of its first of its kind 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 the ad hoc group of secured and unsecured bondholders of GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. in connection with its recently concluded US$1.6 billion combined liability management and new capital financing transaction.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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

Giles Belsey, Jennifer Rees, Amy Rees, Adam Silver, Ricci Potts, Laura Brank