Chambers UK: A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession 2018 ranked six WilmerHale lawyers and five 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:
International Commercial Arbitration and International Investor-State Arbitration
Chambers said: “Gary Born has represented companies in commercial and investment treaty arbitrations under the auspices of all the leading institutions, including the ICC, LCIA and ICSID as well as in ad hoc arbitrations. His deep expertise includes acting in high-value disputes arising in the energy, insurance and financial services industries, among others. He also has a stellar reputation as an arbitrator. Sources say of him: 'He is a fantastic arbitrator and lawyer; he really is very special.'”
Chambers said: “Steven Finizio is well known for his work on behalf of major energy companies in complex commercial arbitrations. One market commentator says that his performance as an advocate is 'impressive and fully in keeping with WilmerHale's excellent reputation.'”
Chambers said: “Franz Schwarz focuses his practice on commercial arbitrations concerning enforcement, corporate disputes, M&A and joint ventures. He has acted for clients in ad hoc arbitrations and before the leading arbitral institutions.”
Financial Crime: Corporates
Chambers said: “Top drawer financial crime lawyer Stephen Pollard 'has been at the top of his game for 25 years and is one of the best ever,' according to commentators. Sources highlight a range of strengths, saying: 'He is hugely likeable and down-to-earth, but equally formidable when representing the interests of his clients. He is one of the characters for whom everyone in the room will stop and listen, his judgement is unbelievably good.' His expertise spans the full range of internal and government investigations, with deep experience handling proceedings from both the SFO and the FCA.”
Financial Crime: Individuals
Chambers said: “Stephen Pollard is widely regarded as 'the best current white-collar crime solicitor that there is.' He boasts an impressive record of acting on many of the most high-profile and complex SFO investigations, especially in bribery and corruption matters. Sources say: 'He is unparalleled in terms of his practice – he has been in all the main cases, is just fantastic with clients, cuts through everything, and tactically is really good. He's just incredibly impressive in all areas.'”
Financial Services: Contentious Regulatory
Chambers said: “Stephen Pollard is particularly noted for his strength in the area of securities regulatory enforcement. He regularly defends clients in SFO and FCA proceedings involving allegations of matters such as insider dealing, market abuse and market manipulation. Sources say that he brings'a sublime mixture of toughness, forensic attention to detail and unruffled courtesy.'”
Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation
Chambers said: “Justin Watts joined WilmerHale from Freshfields in June 2017. He is recommended for his 'extremely good judgement' and experience acting for hi-tech and life sciences companies in patent disputes. He also advises on the IP implications of corporate transactions.”
Chambers said: “Anthony Trenton is well known as a patent litigator and is a seasoned solicitor advocate. He is also recommended for trade mark disputes. Clients remark on his 'very sound judgement.'”
Public International Law
Chambers said: “Gary Born is a leading practitioner in the field of international arbitration, and assists clients in investor-state arbitrations and state-to-state disputes. He also sits as an arbitrator in PIL cases.”
Chambers UK 2018 also ranked WilmerHale in:
International Commercial Arbitration and International Investor-State Arbitration
Chambers said: "Outstanding international arbitration practice with an enviable track record handling complex institutional and ad hoc arbitrations. Significant experience in joint venture disputes and in the oil and gas sector. Team members appear before tribunals seated across a number of arbitration hubs, including London, Zürich, Vienna, Geneva and Stockholm, often in connection with multi-million and multi-billion-dollar disputes. Also has expertise acting for states and corporations in arbitrations concerning investment treaties, including BITs.”
Financial Crime: Corporates and Financial Crime: Individuals
Chambers said: “A renowned practice with considerable experience of white-collar crime matters, including SFO work. Frequently engaged by banking and manufacturing clients to advise on high-stakes, cross-border internal investigations. Draws on a market-leading US practice to provide a strong transatlantic service.”
Public International Law
Chambers said: “Well-regarded team for investor-state arbitrations. Also has expertise in international human rights law and has advised on state-to-state boundary disputes.”
Clients and commentators said:
“one of the best firms that I have dealt with so far in the international arbitration space. They are at the top of their game and are very client and service-oriented."
"It's a quality firm in a class of its own."
"I really like this firm – their approach, culture, the amazing personality and expertise of their lawyers at various levels and their flexibility, dedication and commitment. They are outstanding in a wide range of areas including white-collar crime, sensitive and high-profile criminal litigation matters, and regulatory and internal investigations."
"Their arbitration work is fantastic."
Chambers and Partners determines its rankings after thousands of interviews with lawyers and clients. The Chambers United Kingdom 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.