Dechert LLP - The Who's Who Legal 100 2012

What is the Who's Who Legal 100?

Private funds emerges as a strong suit of the firm with seven listings achieved in the corresponding chapter. The firm advises both European-domiciled and US-based fund groups on new products, as well as regulation and compliance. Both the London and New York offices receive two mentions apiece. Chair of the financial services group in Europe and co-chair of the firm’s global group, Peter Astleford is a “prominent figure” with extensive experience in advising fund managers. His knowledge covers both onshore and offshore funds as well as regulations. Stuart Martin advises on the establishment and structuring of retail and institutional funds and platforms and his knowledge is “second to none”. In New York, George Mazin is “first rate” and his practice focuses on advising on structuring and restructuring of domestic and offshore private funds. Alongside him, Kevin Scanlan focuses on the structuring and formation of international and domestic private investment funds. Representing the Luxembourg office, Marc Seimetz specialises in helping clients to determine the most effective fund structures and advises on the incorporation, ongoing compliance and eligibility of investments.

In the business crime defence chapter, the firm receives six listings. The white-collar and securities litigation practice is “very well known and respected” for defending clients facing government investigations. Half the nominees are based in the New York office. Andrew Levander specialises in securities fraud and criminal and government investigations, and his “high-profile” work includes representing clients such as Lehman Brothers’ outside directors and John Thain, former CEO of Merrill Lynch. Benjamin Rosenberg’s recent work has included representing Michael Resnick, CFO of US Foodservice, in a criminal securities fraud investigation, a parallel SEC investigation and a class action lawsuit. Robert Jossen is a “distinguished notary” in the field and chair of the firmwide litigation department. Based in London, the global co-chair of the firm’s white-collar and securities litigation practice, Neil Gerrard, is responsible for all matters outside of the US. Gerrard focuses on white-collar crime in the corporate sector and is “outstanding”, according to peers. Also in London, Jonathan Pickworth advises on corruption, fraud and tax matters and has acted in Europe’s largest ever tax investigation.

Five lawyers appear in the life sciences chapter. The Paris office emerges as a “hub of talent” fielding four of the five lawyers. Managing partner of the office Alain Decombe stands out in the research as a “leading light” in the field, his work encompasses cross-border corporate transactions for multinational corporations in the life sciences sector. Anne-Laure Marcerou specialises in advising on M&A and regulatory issues for pharmaceutical clients. James Beck represents the Philadelphia office and focuses on product liability litigation including mass torts such as Vioxx and Baycol.

Dechert’s competition practice is “first rate”, and its network of offices enabled the firm to handle clients’ issues wherever they might arise. Five lawyers are selected for inclusion in corresponding chapter. In DC, co-chair of the firm’s antitrust group Paul Denis is “highly rated” for his work related to business combinations, government investigations and related litigation. Also in DC, Paul Friedman – managing partner of the office – is considered “outstanding” in civil litigation. Michael Weiner in the New York office is also co-chair of the group and he aids clients with government investigations and litigates antitrust issues for a variety of industries. His work includes price-fixing class actions in which he has represented AXIS Specialty Insurance Company and AXIS Surplus Insurance Company.

The firm’s arbitration practice is also highly recommended. In Paris, Eduardo Silva Romero receives recognition for both his arbitration and oil and gas expertise and is described as a “top talent”. In the Beijing office, Jingzhou Tao features in both the arbitration and corporate governance chapters. He represents clients in international arbitration proceedings in China, as well as in other major institutions. Anne Marie Whitesell is “excellent” and prior to joining Dechert was secretary general of the ICC International Court of Arbitration for six years.

The firm is rewarded for its commitment to its clients by numerous recommendations across different sectors of law highlighting its winning strategy.