Haynes and Boone’s London office has received widespread recognition in the 2021 edition of the Legal 500 United Kingdom directory, published by Legalease.
The guide ranked Haynes and Boone among the most recommended UK firms in four practice areas, one more than the previous year: Oil and Gas; Shipping; International Arbitration; and Construction: Contentious.
The guide also highlighted nine Haynes and Boone partners: Glenn Kangisser, Anna Nerush, William Cecil, Melanie Willems, Rob Patterson, Andreas Silcher, Simon Curtis, Mark Johnson and Markus Esly; as well as Counsel Robert Blackett and Associate Phoebe Anderson, who is listed as a Rising Star.
The Legal 500 analyzes the capabilities of law firms across the world, based on feedback from 300,000 clients worldwide, law firm submissions and interviews with leading private practice lawyers. Haynes and Boone’s London office has been listed for several years in the Legal 500 UK.
“We are pleased to again receive such solid rankings in the Legal 500 UK directory,” said Brad Richards, managing partner of the London office. “The 2021 rankings aptly reflect our expanding reach in the London market.”
Below are some of the Legal 500 comments about the ranked practice groups:
Oil and Gas:
“Haynes and Boone, LLP's practice, under the leadership of Glenn Kangisser, has expanded its bench strength in the energy sector with the recent recruitment of Rob Patterson, who brings over 25 years of experience in energy-related projects and transactions. The firm also retains a strong offering in offshore drilling matters and exploration and production work. Corporate partner Anna Nerush is also of note, as is William Cecil and Melanie Willems for high-end energy disputes. Associate Phoebe Anderson is recommended for commercial contracts.”
Testimonials:
“Very detailed knowledge of the oil and gas sector and in particular the drilling industry. Second to none in that respect.”
“Glenn Kangisser is very thorough and always delivers solid advice which has been thought through. He is accessible and a pleasant chap with a great legal mind.”
Shipping:
“(The firm) is noted for its work in the shipbuilding space, including advising on financing, transactions, and construction related to ships. The firm's work in this area encompasses matters relating to superyachts, tankers, FPSOs, FLNG platforms, and dry bulk carrier vessels. The team is now led by Andreas Silcher, an FLNG specialist, and, who handles a diverse range of transactional matters. Other key figures in the team include the hugely experienced senior counsel Simon Curtis and William Cecil, who acts extensively in shipbuilding litigation.”
Curtis was added to the “Hall of Fame” in this category.
Testimonials:
“This department serves a niche market and they are real experts in their nice. Further, the team is extremely hands-on and has a practical mindset that really serves the industry very well.”
“Andreas Silcher has wide knowledge, is very practical and hands-on.”
“Mark Johnson is cooperative and proactive in his advice.”
“Andreas Silcher and Mark Johnson are highly experienced, personable and sensible. They follow instructions diligently, offer commercial and constructive suggestions and have a deep understanding of the market in which they are operating – and tailor their work accordingly. They are excellent at prioritising work within the team – and identifying/delegating the correct team-member to carry it out.”
International Arbitration:
“… The London team conducts arbitrations under all major institutional rules (ICC, LCIA, UNCITRAL) and acts in PIL matters (BIT and ICSID arbitrations). Its disputes sector experience covers the offshore and marine construction, energy (particularly oil and gas) and construction sectors. Melanie Willems is London head of international arbitration; William Cecil is London litigation and disputes head; and both Markus Esly and counsel Robert Blackett focus their practices on international arbitration.”
Testimonials:
“Melanie Willems is great, full of verve, always charging forward for her clients. Markus Esly is thoughtful, considerate, intelligent.”
“Very attentive individuals and always revert quickly. As we have used this firm for many years, we have built up a good relationship with the key partners, so these people understand our business well and can guide us well.”
Construction: Contentious:
“(The London team) is prominent in the offshore energy and construction field, primarily resolving disputes through international arbitration. Melanie Willems and William Cecil jointly lead the team. Willems heads up the firm's international arbitration group but is also experienced in litigation and expert determination; she is active on matters across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Markus Esly focuses on infrastructure and energy disputes and is noted for his broad dispute resolution experience.”
To view full rankings, click here.