Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP - Who's Who Legal 70

What is the Who's Who Legal 70?

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in Who's Who Legal

	Corporate Governance
	5

	Insolvency & Restructuring
	1

	Corporate Governance
	5

	Competition
	4

	Patents
	1

	Mergers & Acquisitions
	6

	Private funds
	10

	Commercial Litigation
	3

	Private funds
	10

	Corporate Tax
	1

	Banking
	3

	Environment
	1

	Arbitration
	1

	Insurance & Reinsurance
	3

	Product Liability Defence
	1

	Capital Markets
	6

Simpson Thacher’s private funds practice is one of the firm’s largest contingents in this book. Eight partners are listed, with three lawyers from the London and New York offices feature among the very best in the world. In New York, Michael Wolitzer is an “important figure”, while Tom Bell is “first-rate”. In London, Jason Glover adds further authority to the team’s reputation. Our sources state that he provides “unmatched” expertise and he receives the lawyer of the year award for his “superb reputation” in this field. The firm represented The Blackstone Group in its agreement to manage Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s Asian real estate assets worth over US$2 billion, and GSO Capital Partners LP in establishing a US$3.2 billion private equity fund.

The capital markets chapter also has a substantial contingent from Simpson Thacher. Eight partners are listed, including four from the New York headquarters. In New York, John Lobrano is “highly thought of” by peers, as is Glenn Reiter. William Hinman in Palo Alto provides “exceptional” counsel. Further nominees are selected in Hong Kong and Tokyo, demonstrating the firm’s “international credentials” in this sector.

The firm’s M&A practice is “highly esteemed” by interviewees. Six lawyers appear, three of whom are in New York. The firm represented PPL Corporation in its £4 billion acquisition of Central Networks, an electricity distribution business. Big names from the firm include Richard Beattie who is chairman of Simpson Thacher and is “well respected”. Robert Spatt is regarded as a “superior” lawyer in this field and Alan Klein is also praised for his M&A expertise. Further nominees in London and Tokyo stand out. These names also appear on our list of the world’s leading corporate governance experts, where they are joined by the “outstanding” Charles Cogut who is “a source of inspiration” for many active in this area.

Simpson Thacher’s banking team is also a strong suit and receives four listings. In New York, Francis Huck is “dean of the bar” and “commands enormous respect” and Lee Meyerson is head of the M&A practice and financial institutions group. He is regarded as “without doubt a leading light”. Gary Rice is also listed in New York and Euan Gorrie in London is consistently nominated.

In New York, Kevin Arquit’s reputation is illustrated by one source who states that “he is extremely well known and the client community thoroughly respects him”. He leads a team of four colleagues in the competition chapter. In the same office, Aimee Goldstein is “brilliant” and David Vann in London is “highly respected”.

Insurance and reinsurance is a practice area where clients noted the firm’s “impressive” expertise. Two lawyers are listed in New York. Barry Ostrager heads the litigation department and is “simply the best insurance litigator in the world”. He is also featured in the litigation chapter. He receives the lawyer of the year award for his “superb reputation” in the insurance sector and is listed alongside the “highly knowledgeable” Mary Kay Vyskocil.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett once again demonstrates its international authority and superb quality of counsel in a number of practice areas, making it one of the finest law firms in the world.