Chambers UK: A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession 2015 ranked six WilmerHale lawyers and two practices for outstanding work and reputation.
The following UK-based lawyers were recognized as leading practitioners in their respective areas of law. Each is listed by the practice area(s) and region in which they are recommended:
Financial Crime: Corporates – London:
Chambers said: “'Class operator' Stephen Pollard has an outstanding reputation for advising on large-scale investigations. Sources report that 'he has got marvellous strategic sense, so he can see beyond his own client and the politics of the matter.'”
Financial Services – UK-wide:
Chambers said: “Stephen Pollard of WilmerHale is regarded amongst his peers as one of the first ports of call and 'a personal favourite' for referring an individual when criminal regulatory experience is needed. According to peers, one of his key strengths is his 'grasp of the way to deal with individual clients under great stress. He is conscientious, polite and technically very capable.'”
International Arbitration:
Chambers said:
“There is no shortage of praise for 'global superstar' Gary Born, recognised as being 'masterful in every facet of international arbitration.' His practice is widely regarded as unparalleled in the marketplace, having recently handled multiple disputes worth over USD30 billion in total. His loyal client following includes several automotive and energy industry giants."
“Steven Finizio is highly regarded for his dedicated arbitration practice. His caseload has included several complex financial services and energy disputes of late, and he is commended as being 'creative and ruthless in his approach to the problems we faced.'”
“The 'impressive and outstanding' Franz Schwarz is well respected for his international arbitration practice and recently led the successful representation of Swatch in an arbitration against Tiffany. His caseload of late includes representing high-profile clients in the pharmaceutical sector, and handling matters in European and Asian jurisdictions.”
Public International Law:
Chambers said: “WilmerHale's Gary Born is a 'phenomenal lawyer' who is 'steeped in public law issues.' He is able to transfer his outstanding international arbitration practice to public international law matters, including handling major BIT arbitrations involving leading corporates, and is 'a formidable opponent.'”
Employee Share Schemes & Incentives: Elite – UK-wide:
Chambers said: “Paula Holland of WilmerHale receives universal praise from clients, who say she is commercially driven, diligent, responsive and efficient. Sources consider her to be 'a pleasure to work with,' and one interviewee appreciates her ability to 'demystify the whole experience.'"
Intellectual Property – London:
Chambers said: “Anthony Trenton of WilmerHale is a noted patent litigator and leads that side of the team's practice. He is also a go-to for heavyweight trade mark disputes. He is 'an excellent port of call for complex, delicate matters,' according to one source."
Chambers UK 2015 also ranked WilmerHale in the following practice areas:
Financial Crime – London:
Chambers said: “Fast building an excellent reputation in the UK and internationally, bolstered by its market-leading US practice. Sought after by significant corporations to advise on multi-jurisdictional investigations into fraud and bribery.”
International Arbitration – UK-wide:
Chambers said: “Outstanding practice with an impressively international bench, housing several dual-qualified advocates and arbitrators. Well versed in the rules of all major arbitration centres, with a broad-based client roster including major pharmaceutical, financial services and automotive companies.”
Chambers and Partners determines its rankings after thousands of interviews with lawyers and clients. The Chambers UK guide ranks solicitors in more than 70 specialty areas of law. Since its first publication in 1990, Chambers UK has established a reputation as a respected referral guide for leading law firms and individuals in the UK.