Chambers UK: A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession 2009 ranked seven WilmerHale lawyers and three of the firm's practices for exceptional work and reputation.

Among the outstanding WilmerHale lawyers recognized, Gary Born was again singled-out as the “Star Performer” for Dispute Resolution (International Arbitration). Chambers UK noted that Born's combination of intellect and practicality “makes fans of clients who are congenitally disinclined to be impressed by any lawyer.”

The following UK-based WilmerHale lawyers were recognized as leading practitioners in their respective areas of law. Each is listed by the practice area(s) and the region in which s/he is recommended:

Aviation (Commercial) - Best of the UK:

Michael Holter (Band 2). Chambers said: 'Clients can take faith in the fact that the “responsive, pragmatic and extremely business-oriented” Michael Holter will “always try his hardest to get the best possible solution.”'

Competition/European Law - London:

Suyong Kim (Band 2). Chambers said: '“A hard-working and clever individual with a good strategic eye,” she is well regarded for her expertise in regulated utilities.'

Dispute Resolution (International Arbitration) – London:

Chambers said:

Gary B Born (Star performer) is '“utterly phenomenal”.'

Steven Finizio (Band 3) 'displays “a striking meticulousness” without overcomplicating matters: “He can take on a lion of a case and make it easy for the panel to get a grip on it.”'

Franz Schwarz (Band 4) 'is familiar with large disputes and is advising on a number of multibillion-dollar telecoms matters.'

Chambers UK 2009 also ranked WilmerHale in three practices:

Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration (London) – Band 1

WilmerHale's International Arbitration group maintains its position in Band 1 as one of the premier International Arbitration practices with Chambers stating that '[c]ommentators emphasise the quality of the arbitration practice as a whole, declaring themselves “tremendously impressed” with the “fantastically strong” London team.'

Employment International (Best of the UK) – Band 3

Chambers declared this practice 'highly rated for its good teamwork and commercially focused advice. David Andrews heads the department.'

Aviation: Regulatory and Commercial (Best of the UK) – Band 4

Chambers noted '[w]ith its sights set firmly on big-ticket work, this small practice is known for its historic relationship with Lufthansa. Whether involved in regulatory compliance disagreements or commercial restructuring disputes, the team frequently draws on the expertise of its other offices across Europe and the USA.'

Chambers and Partners determine its rankings after thousands of interviews with lawyers and clients. The guide ranks solicitors and barristers in over 60 practice areas. Since its first publication in 1990, Chambers UK has established a reputation as one of the most respected referral guides for leading law firms and individuals in the United Kingdom. Visit the Chambers and Partners site for more information.