Most Highly Regarded Firms: Mining 2011

• December 2010

• Mining

Months of independent and rigorous research have revealed the world's best mining lawyers in 42 jurisdictions. Who's Who Legal includes 267 expert practitioners and this article highlights the best of the best in the mining hotspots Canada, the United States, Australia and Latin America.

Canadian Firms

Canada is a powerhouse in the mining sector. It is internationally recognised as a leading venture capital centre, and offers some of the best mining lawyers in the world. Home to a number of major mining companies, such as Barrick Gold Corporation and Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, the country is an established leader in global mining, discovery methods and technologies.

Macleod Dixon LLP has the highest number of individuals listed in this edition. We feature 10 partners across five countries – a geographical spread unmatched by any other firm. In Alberta, James Coleman QC and Crae Garrett have “proven skills and experience”. As a senior partner and director of mining, oil and gas companies, Coleman QC has a respected reputation. Garrett is lauded for his “insightful” defence strategies, and leadership and his experience of working in the CIS and South America. In Ontario Marvin Singer has over 25 years’ experience in equity finance and project development primarily in Africa. The firm now boasts an office in Bogotá led by Jorge Neher. As the managing partner of the new office he is one of the leading mining lawyers in the world according to our findings. He has represented major and junior mining enterprises and provides a “thorough and considered service”. Glenn Faass in Brazil is the managing partner of the Rio office and head of the international mining practice. He is considered an “outstanding” mining lawyer. “Talented” M&A expert Maxim Telemtayev is the managing partner of the Kazakhstan office and holds more than 13 years experience in this area. He is joined by Yerzhan Kumarov who specialises in strategic investment in the development of minerals. In response to the high levels of metal production in Russia, Macleod Dixon has developed formidable regional expertise with Aydin Jebrailov, Levon Kocharyan and Anatoly Andriash who are all highly recommended.

Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP performs strongly in our research with five inclusions in Canada and further listings in England, France and South Africa. In Ontario Michael Bourassa is hugely respected in the field. According to one client, “he is one of the finest mining lawyers I’ve ever worked with.” This view reflects his position as the most highly nominated lawyer in this year’s research. Josh Lewis is known for his problem solving skills and commercial approach, making him a “definite inclusion” in our publication. He is joined by the “top class” John Turner. The “very experienced” Charles Higgins appears in this edition for his M&A and joint venture work. In Quebec, Jean Gagné has an “excellent” M&A and contracts practice that has developed over 25 years in the industry. Thomas Wexler is recognised in England as a “great lawyer”. In France, Jean-Claude Petilon is an expert on mining in Africa with over 25 years experience working on deals in that part of the world, and the firm also has an office in Johannesburg office managed by Albert Gourley. He is highly rated by his peers and clients both in South Africa and in London, where he is based. He is joined by Tanneke Heersche in Johannesburg who is “one of the leading mining lawyers”.

Four lawyers are listed from Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP. National joint-chair of the mining group Brian Abraham is recommended for his “knowledgeable” advice. John Sabine is very experienced and considered a “great lawyer”. Frank Davis is known for his “strong and authoritative” client representation. Michael Melanson is a leading finance specialist.

Stikeman Elliott LLP sees four partners listed including Jay Kellerman, who is considered "excellent" in financing and M&A, and a presence in London through the inclusion of the "first class" Derek Linfield. Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP has three nominees, and Paul Stein has represented GoldCorp and Dundee Precious Metals in sale transactions.

Blake Cassels & Graydon LLP fields Bob Wooder in Vancouver and David Glennie in London. Wooder has an “incredible” level of experience advising on offerings and M&A matters. Glennie is “a very versatile lawyer who specialises in strategic transactions and M&A”. He provides “extensive experience and commercial acumen when working on a case”, according to one lawyer.

There are two lawyers from McCarthy Tétrault LLP based in Canada. Roger Taplin is “a leading practitioner in the field”. He has represented Rio Tinto and Gold Fields in acquisition and joint venture matters. According to one interviewee Richard Miner is “excellent technically, and is one of the few that combines detailed resources law with securities work”.

In British Columbia, McMillan LLP provides two lawyers for our list. Chair of the national mining group Darrell Podowski is “extremely knowledgeable, always available and very well connected in the mining world”. Bernhard Zinkhofer is “incredibly experienced” in the field of offerings on the Canadian stock exchange markets. He has acted for Great Basin Gold and Continental Mineral Corporation in M&A deals.

We list Heenan Blaikie LLP two lawyers from Canada and one in Singapore. Steve Vaughan of the British Columbia office is a “leading authority on mining”. Christopher Manderville in Alberta earns a place for his “excellent” advice and contract negotiating. In Singapore Gaylord Watkins is “very good” for permits, regulation and financial advice.

United States

We identify 51 lawyers throughout the US from 38 firms. As a centre for major mineral mining companies such as Alcoa Incorporated and Southern Copper Corporation, the United States possesses a long history of mining, reflected in its well-established legal industry. The lawyers we include are acknowledged experts in their fields.

Holland & Hart LLP received the most nominations in the US and boasts four lawyers in our listings. Robert Bassett is “one of the most knowledgeable lawyers in the States” and his financial advice “excellent”, according to clients. Paul Schlauch is “one of the world’s leading mining lawyers”, according to one interviewee. In Wyoming Jack Palma is recognised for his expertise in the environmental aspects of mining, acting as lead counsel in a number of high-profile cases. As the former managing partner and chairman of Holland & Hart’s natural resources department Lawrence Wolfe has earned an “outstanding” reputation in environmental matters.

Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP has three entries in Colorado. Joel Benson specialises in acquisitions and financial transactions. As senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary of Golden Minerals, Deborah Friedman has amassed an “impressive” degree of experience in this field. Randall Hubbard is a “significant player” in the industry, particularly in relation to purchase transactions, joint ventures and contracts.

Crowell & Moring LLP has three entries in DC. Timothy McCrum’s practice centres on natural resources and environmental law, and he is the co-chair of the environment and natural resources group. As a former Attorney-Advisor to the US Department of the Interior on Energy and Resources he has a wealth of federal mining law experience. Thomas Means is an expert in procedural and judicial review matters in federal regulation. He has acted as lead counsel for the National Mining Association. Steven Quarles enjoys a varied client list that crosses energy, forestry, mining and land development law. He specialises in representation and lobbying for legislative change.

In New Mexico, Modrall Sperling Roehl Harris & Sisk PA fields three lawyers. Larry Ausherman focuses on energy, mineral development and litigation, as does Stuart Butzier, who concentrates on complex litigation in the same areas. Lynn Slade represents natural resources and energy developers including Meyer Engineering.

Parson Behle & Latimer earns an entry in Utah and another in Nevada. Jim Butler is a “very knowledgeable” practitioner and is renowned for his practice in mineral processing. In Utah, Stephen Hull is an expert in M&A matters, joint ventures and project financing for both international and domestic companies.

Christopher Barry at Dorsey & Whitney LLP stands out. He chairs the practice group in Toronto and advises US clients on M&A, investment and securities compliance for which he is “very well known”. He has represented NovaGold Resources and Miramar Mining Corporation on cross border matters. In Utah William Prince comes “highly recommended” for his mineral acquisition work.

At Fognani & Faught PLLC both Kenneth Hubbard and John Fognani are ranked very highly by their peers for their litigation and environmental work.

Holme Roberts & Owen LLP has two listings in Colorado. James Cress is nationally renowned for his expertise in federal mineral royalty matters and has testified before Congress as a royalties expert. Alongside him is Frank Erisman who is recognised for his extractions, mineral financing and natural resources practice.

Australia

Australia’s flourishing mining industry generates high levels of work for local and international mining lawyers. We list 21 practitioners from 14 firms in the country.

In the Melbourne office of Allens Arthur Robinson, Scott Langford is recognised for a natural resources practice spanning more than 20 years. He has developed a strong practice in acquisitions, joint ventures and contracts in state and federal mining, oil and gas deals. Ken MacDonald in Brisbane holds a number of board directorships in mining companies where he has acquired a vast array of knowledge. He is well known for his problem solving skills in M&A and joint ventures.

Clayton Utz has three lawyers in the guide. Stuart MacGregor in Brisbane is an “excellent lawyer, who gives very good advice” on M&A and project development deals. Andrew Smith works primarily for mining and oil and gas companies on project finance and acquisition matters. In Perth Peter Wiese provides expert advice on regulation in mining and oil and gas for publicly listed energy companies.

At Minter Ellison Denis Gately is the former managing partner of the Brisbane office. He advises on joint ventures and restructurings. He is joined by Ewan Vickery who advises on commercial matters in natural resources disputes.

Blakiston & Crabb earns two listings. Michael Blakiston is ranked extremely highly among mining practitioners for his “outstanding” work in corporate restructuring, joint ventures, takeovers and strategic alliances. He is joined by Marcello Carducci who also focuses on corporate and finance matters.

In the Sydney office of Allen & Overy LLP Barry Irwin provides advice and representation on mining, oil, gas, renewables and related infrastructure projects. He is recognised as a “very good lawyer” in his field. As the managing partner of the Perth office Geoff Simpson has built an “impressive” level of experience as a director on the board of several mining companies.

Leigh Warnick of Blake Dawson is the practice leader in Perth and renowned for his “quick, efficient and thorough” approach. Graeme Harris is considered a “great lawyer” with a clear client focus.

Latin America

Chile has one of the most important mining industries in the region, which has been the focus of global media attention in the last few months following the 33 miners that were trapped for 69 days in the San Jose mine in Copiapó, and the Chilean Bar is well established in this sector. We feature 15 practitioners from 12 firms. Among the outstanding lawyers is Patricia Núñez of Núñez Muñoz & Cía Ltda Abogados who comes “strongly recommended”. From Carey y Cía Abogados Rafael Vergara is considered “excellent” by clients and peers. Pablo Mir of Bofill Mir & Alvarez Jana Abogados received many positive votes during our research. He is praised for his broad experience in mining, oil, gas and geothermal power.

Veirano Advogados is the best represented law firm in Brazil with four entries from the firm’s Rio de Janeiro office. Pedro Aguiar de Freitas has “excellent in-house experience” from his time as in-house counsel for Vale and has represented Shree Renuka Sugars in an overseas acquisition. Carlos Amercio Ferrar e Castro has over 35 years of experience in the industry and has built a reputation as a “first class” lawyer. Senior associate Pedro Garcia is an expert in structuring new investments and earns glowing praise as a “star lawyer”. He is joined by “skilful” associate Alexandre Bittencourt Calmon.

Argentina garners two inclusions in our top ten most highly regarded mining lawyers of 2011. Florencia Heredia of HOLT Abogados earned numerous votes from both domestic and international lawyers during our research. The general consensus was that she is “truly one of the best” on legislation and problem solving. In Buenos Aires, Ignacio Randle of Estudio Randle is recognised as a leading practitioner and knowledgeable in all aspects of mining law. He is the chairman of the environmental health and safety law committee and an officer of the mining law committee of the International Bar Association.

In Peru we highlight Luis Carlos Rodrigo Prado at Rodrigo Elias & Medrano Abogados as one of the most highly-regarded individuals in the research. He holds directorships in several Peruvian mining companies and advises mining and natural resources companies on exploration, use and development matters. At Rubio Leguía Normand Emil Ruppert is lauded for his “very impressive client list” and his client focused service.

In Bolivia, Bufete Aguirre Soc. Civ. Abogados provides two lawyers for our list. Fernando Aguirre B is considered “very, very good” for his “wide-ranging practice” and has guided Newmont Mining, Sumitomo Corporation and Minera San Cristobal SA as clients. He is joined by his son Ignacio Aguirre U who specialises in hydrocarbons law.

In Mexico Abdón Hernández Martinez of Martinez Carrera & Hernandez SC is “strongly recommended, very knowledgeable on legislation and knows his way through the mining environment in Mexico”. At Sánchez-Mejorada Velasco y Ribé SC Rodrigo Sánchez-Mejorada is considered “very good”. He specialises in international joint ventures, natural resources and nuclear energy deals.

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