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Named Best Law Firm in Latin America at LatinFinance Awards
Shearman & Sterling was named "Best Law Firm: Latin America" at the recent LatinFinance Awards in recognition of the firm's outstanding performance in Latin America and the Caribbean during the past year. Published by LatinFinance, one of the leading sources of financial markets intelligence for Latin America and the Caribbean, the LatinFinance Awards are the most prestigious awards for excellence in Latin American investment banking, capital market issuance and legal advice.
—LatinFinance, 2012
Urda Kassis, Three Other Partners Honored by Chambers
Shearman & Sterling was very well represented in Chambers & Partners' inaugural "Chambers USA Women in Law Awards 2012," with four New York partners being considered for top awards and project finance partner Cynthia Urda Kassis being named "Energy/Projects Lawyer of the Year." In addition to Urda Kassis, Clare O'Brien and Maura O'Sullivan were short-listed for top M&A and finance lawyer, respectively, while Monica Holland was nominated as a top up-and-coming lawyer in finance.
—Chambers USA Women in Law Awards, 2012
Pinsolle Wins Prize for “Advocacy in International Commercial Arbitration” from Swiss Arbitration Association
Philippe Pinsolle, Paris-based partner in Shearman & Sterling’s International Arbitration Group, received the Swiss Arbitration Association’s Prize for “Advocacy in International Commercial Arbitration.” Pinsolle has 20 years of experience in international arbitration, both commercial and investor-state. He has acted as counsel in more than 150 international arbitrations. He also acts as an arbitrator in both ad hoc and institutional arbitrations.
Power and Infrastructure Work in Middle East, Asia-Pacific Honored at PFI Awards
Shearman & Sterling won Project Finance International's "Middle East Infrastructure Deal of the Year" for its work on the US$300 million Muharraq wastewater treatment plant project in Bahrain. The deal closed successfully on schedule despite ongoing turbulence in the country and elsewhere in the Middle East. The firm was also awarded "Asia-Pacific Power Deal of the Year" for its involvement in securing the US$1.4 billion 18-year debt facility for the US$1.95 billion AES-VCM Mong Duong Power Co in Vietnam. The deal was the first independent power producer (IPP) in Vietnam to reach financial close since 2003. Mong Duong is the largest private sector power project in the country.
—PFI Awards, 2011
Perfect Score in HRC's Corporate Equality Index
Shearman & Sterling has once again earned a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index—one of just 190 companies across industries, geographies and size to achieve this "best-in-class" designation. Participating and earning a perfect score for the third straight year, the firm achieved a 100 percent rating for its commitment to benefits and protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees and their families.
—HRC Corporate Equality Index, 2011
D'Alimonte Named a 'Top Female Deal Maker'
New York M&A partner Christa D’Alimonte was named a “Top Female Deal Maker” by Law360, one of just 10 US-based lawyers honored for their outstanding M&A work. A feature article in Law360 characterizes D'Alimonte as a “steady-handed negotiator” in deals such as the closely watched $50 billion separation of Viacom and CBS Broadcasting, and notes that she’s even won praise from the other side of the bargaining table for her “cool, calm, and collected” approach to working out complex transactions.
—Law360, 2011
Named a Top Tier US National Firm in Multiple Practices by Benchmark Litigation 2012
Shearman & Sterling has been designated a top tier US national firm in Benchmark Litigation 2012: The Definitive Guide to America’s Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys. A publication of Euromoney/Legal Media Group, the guide focuses exclusively on the leading US law firms and lawyers. Three practice areas were ranked top tier nationally: General Commercial, International Arbitration and Securities Litigation. Four Shearman & Sterling partners were ranked as “stars” in their areas of expertise nationally and seven lawyers were named in their respective states as either “local stars” or “rising stars.” In New York, Shearman & Sterling’s litigation practice was ranked “Highly Recommended,” with four Shearman & Sterling litigators singled out for mention: Stuart J.Baskin, Stephen Fishbein, Adam S. Hakki and Herbert S. Washer. Benchmark Litigation 2012 notes that while the practice has a full-service litigation offering, “Shearman & Sterling is respected most for its high-level appointments to matters of the securities and white-collar and FCPA enforcement variety.”
—Benchmark Litigation 2012
HIGH RANKINGS IN GLOBAL M&A TABLES
Shearman & Sterling earned high rankings in several M&A league tables for the first nine months of 2011 (through the end of September). Highlights include:
- 5th in Worldwide Announced (by value) with $184,543.2 million and 108 deals — Thomson Reuters
- 5th in US Announced Deals (by value) with $155.7 billion and 75 deals — Dealogic
- 4th in Europe Announced Deals (by value) with $106,486 million and 35 deals — Bloomberg
- 5th in German Announced Deals (by value) with $43,495 million and 10 deals — Thomson Reuters
- 4th in China Announced Deals (by deal count) with $1,854 million and 11 deals — Bloomberg
- 3rd in Japan Announced (by value) with $32,141.7 million and 16 deals — Thomson Reuters
- 5th in India Announced Deals (by deal count) with $1,494 million and 4 deals — Bloomberg
- 6th in Latin American Announced Deals (by value) with $8,412.2 million and 8 deals — Thomson Reuters
NAMED 'NORTH AMERICA M&A TAX FIRM OF THE YEAR'
Shearman & Sterling was awarded “2011 North America M&A Tax Firm of the Year" at the sixth annual International Tax Review (ITR) International Tax Awards in New York. The award was given in recognition of the firm’s innovative client work and superior service offered to clients in North America. "This is a very significant acknowledgement of our excellence in this area and our work on many of the most significant M&A transactions done over the past year," said Laurence Bambino, co-leader of Shearman & Sterling's global tax practice. "As M&A transactions and spin-offs have increased in complexity, especially across borders, a consideration of tax issues and their potential consequences are integral to the successful consummation of an M&A transaction. We regularly supplement our strong US tax capabilities with resources from our global network to ensure the best possible service for our clients."
CHAMBERS USA AND LEGAL 500 UNITED STATES ACKNOWLEDGE OUR PRACTICES, LAWYERS
Shearman & Sterling practice areas and individual attorneys have been recognized in the Chambers USA and Legal 500 United States rankings for 2011. Both Chambers and Legal 500 cited the firm's capabilities and breadth of experience in an array of markets around the world. View further information.
—July 2011
NAMED TO THE AMERICAN LAWYER'S 'A-LIST' ONCE AGAIN
Shearman & Sterling has once again been named to The American Lawyer's A-List, which honors the US's 20 top law firms. To achieve A-List status, firms must achieve a high ranking in four areas: financial performance, pro bono activity, associate satisfaction and diversity.
—The American Lawyer, June 2011
CONNOLLY NAMED TO THE M&A ADVISOR’S '40 UNDER 40' LIST OF OUTSTANDING LAWYERS
Shearman & Sterling M&A partner David Connolly was named to The M&A Advisor’s second annual "40 Under 40" list of outstanding lawyers in recognition of the excellent service he offers to clients.
—The M&A Advisor, June 2011
SHEARMAN & STERLING NAMED TO LAW360’S INAUGURAL GLOBAL 20 LIST
Shearman & Sterling has been recognized as one of the top 20 law firms in the world by legal news site Law360 in its inaugural Global 20 ranking of “firms that stand out as preeminent global outfits” that “blazed trails internationally.” According to Law360, the list recognizes firms that “have been aggressive in expanding beyond the borders of their home countries and answering their clients' call for multijurisdictional know-how.” Shearman & Sterling placed 10th on the list, which was compiled by ranking international law firms in five categories: the number of countries where the firm has offices, the number of offices outside the firm's home country, the percentage of attorneys working outside the firm’s home country, the breadth of the firm’s international work, and the size and complexity of the firm’s cross-border work.
—Law360, May 2011
IFLR EUROPE’S 2011 DEBT AND EQUITY-LINKED DEAL OF THE YEAR AWARD
Shearman & Sterling has won IFLR Europe’s Debt and Equity-Linked Deal of the Year Award for its work on the Continental high yield bond offering. A team of lawyers in the Frankfurt, Munich and New York offices worked on the €750 million offering—the first guaranteed and secured high yield bond issue under the new German Bond Act (Schuldverschreibungsgesetz) that came into effect in 2009.
—IFLR Europe, March 2011
M&A DEAL OF THE YEAR 2011
Shearman & Sterling was awarded M&A Deal of the Year for the Nippon Oil-Nippon Mining merger.
—IFLR Asia Awards 2011
'FINANCE TEAM OF THE YEAR'—LEGAL BUSINESS AWARDS 2011
Shearman & Sterling played a key role advising on the financing for Lion Capital’s €1.6 billion purchase of Picard Surgeles, a French frozen food company. The firm acted as US, French and English counsel to a raft of banks on the €300 million high-yield bond offering, the first to use a complex ‘double LuxCo’ structure.
USING THE ENERGY CHARTER TREATY FOR ENERGY INVESTORS IN RUSSIA (YUKOS ARBITRATION) 'HIGHLY COMMENDED' AT FT INNOVATIVE LAWYERS AWARDS 2010
At the Financial Times Innovative Lawyers Awards in October 2010, Shearman & Sterling’s work for the Yukos majority shareholders, which established that the Russian Federation is bound by the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) by the effect of its provisional application of the Treaty, was 'highly commended'. The decision permits energy investors who made investments in Russia prior to October 19, 2009, the date on which the Russian Federation's withdrawal from the ECT took effect, to bring claims against Russia. View details of the interim award on jurisdiction and admissibility
LITIGATION PRACTICE RECEIVES TOP RANKINGS FROM BENCHMARK LITIGATION 2011
Shearman & Sterling has once again been ranked among the top law firms in the United States for national-scale, “bet-the company” litigation by Benchmark Litigation 2011. Three Shearman & Sterling litigation practice areas were ranked top tier nationally: Securities Litigation (Tier 1), General Commercial (Tier 2) and International Arbitration (Tier 3). In New York, Shearman & Sterling’s litigation practice was ranked “Highly Recommended.” Six Shearman & Sterling litigators were singled out for mention: Stuart J.Baskin, James Donato, Stephen Fishbein, Adam S. Hakki, Richard F. Schwed and Herbert S. Washer. In Washington, DC, Shearman & Sterling's Scott Doyle was named a local litigation star. View further information.
—Benchmark Litigation 2011
FIVE NO. 1 RANKINGS IN GLOBAL PROJECT FINANCE
Shearman & Sterling’s global Project Development & Finance Group ranked among the top 10 across 10 categories in Infrastructure Journal’s 1H 2010 league tables. Highlights include:
- No. 1 Legal Adviser in Mining & Metals (closed deals and mandates won)
- No. 1 Legal Adviser in Renewables (mandates won)
- No. 1 Legal Adviser in Asia Pacific (mandates won)
- No. 1 Legal Adviser in Latin America (closed deals)
- No. 1 Legal Adviser in Subcontinent (mandates won)
View further information.
NO. 2 RANKING IN WORLDWIDE M&A
Shearman & Sterling continues to play a dominant role in global M&A, witness the firm’s No. 2 ranking worldwide for the second quarter of 2010, according to Dealogic. The firm was involved in 23 deals with a total value of over $46.5 billion. View further information.
Bednarek, Patel Named to IAM Strategy 250—The World's Leading IP Strategists 2010
Intellectual Asset Management (IAM) Magazine named partners Michael Bednarek (Washington, D.C.-Litigation) and Tina S. Patel (Menlo Park-Intellectual Property Transactions) to the IAM Strategy 250, a ranking of leading individuals who offer world-class strategic IP business advice to IP owning companies, with the goal of enabling IP owners to maximize the value of their rights portfolios. IAM Magazine is the only magazine designed to address the need of IP-owning companies to maximize the value of their intangible assets. Click here for more information on the IAM Strategy 250.
—IAM Magazine, July 2010
Practices, Attorneys Cited in Chambers USA and Legal 500 United States
Shearman & Sterling practice areas and individual attorneys have been recognized in the latest Chambers USA and Legal 500 United States rankings. Both Chambers and Legal 500 cited the firm's capabilities and breadth of experience in an array of markets around the world. View further information.
—Chambers USA and Legal 500 United States, 2010
Thoma Presented Lifetime Achievement Award at the Chambers Europe Awards 2010
Shearman & Sterling partner Georg F. Thoma (Düsseldorf-Mergers & Acquisitions/European Corporate) has been presented with the Chambers Lifetime Achievement Award 2010. Chambers described Thoma as "the most famous corporate and M&A lawyer in Germany."
—Chambers Europe Awards 2010
Lebrun and Sabel Winners at the International Law Office Client Choice Awards 2010
Shearman & Sterling partner Ken Lebrun (Tokyo-Mergers & Acquisitions) has been announced as the winner for M&A in Japan and Brad Sabel (New York-Financial Institutions Advisory & Financial Regulatory) has been announced as the winner for banking in the United States in the International Law Office (ILO) Client Choice Awards 2010, in recognition of the superior service they offer to clients in their respective jurisdictions. Established in 2005, the ILO Client Choice Awards “recognize those law firms and partners around the world that stand apart for the excellent client care they provide and the quality of their service. The criteria for the awards focus on an ability to add real value to clients' business above and beyond the other players in the market.” This year’s winners were chosen from more than 2,000 individual assessments received from corporate counsel worldwide.
—International Law Office Client Choice Awards 2010
Named 'International Law Firm of the Year, China' at the Chambers Asia Awards 2010
Shearman & Sterling has been awarded "International Law Firm of the Year, China" at the Chambers Asia Awards 2010 in recognition of outstanding performance in China over the past 12 months. The Chambers Asia Awards “reflect both pre-eminence in key practice areas, and achievements over the last 12 months, including notable work, strategic growth, excellence in client service, and contribution to the legal profession.”
—Chambers Asia Awards 2010
India Group Wins Key Awards
Shearman & Sterling's India Group has enjoyed an extremely successful 12 months, highlighted by recent award wins across several practice areas. Recognition for the India Group in the 2009-10 awards season includes:
- Debt and Equity-linked Deal of the Year: Sterlite’s convertible bond issue—IFLR/Asialaw India Awards 2010
- India Telecoms Deal of the Year Award: Aircel financing—Project Finance Magazine 2009
- Capital Markets Deal of the Year: Sterlite’s ADS issue—Indian Business Law Journal 2009
- Asia-Pacific Cross-Border Deal of the Year (5 million USD+) Norwest Venture Partners' acquisition of a stake in the National Stock Exchange of India—Asia M&A Atlas Awards 2009
- Asia-Pacific Cross-Border Deal of the Year (200 million USD+) Aegis BPO's acquisition of People Support Inc—Asia M&A Atlas Awards 2009
Sabel Named a 'Dealmaker of the Year' for Creation of ICE Trust
The American Lawyer's "Dealmakers of the Year" for his work on the creation of ICE Trust, a clearinghouse for credit default swaps. Sabel is one of just 17 lawyers in the US cited by The American Lawyer for 2009.
The American Lawyer, 2009
Won Most Innovative US Firm in Europe at IFLR Europe Awards
Shearman & Sterling won “Most Innovative US Firm in Europe” for the second year running at the International Financial Law Review’s award ceremony in London. The firm was acknowledged for its innovative work on a number of significant transactions and matters. "Another great year for Shearman & Sterling saw the firm win nominations in five of IFLR's six deal categories, proving its proficiency across the board," wrote IFLR.
—International Financial Law Review, 2010
Shearman & Sterling Cleans Up At Infrastructure Journal Awards
Shearman & Sterling won "Oil and Gas Legal Advisor of the Year" and "Power Legal Advisor of the Year" at the prestigious Infrastructure Journal Awards in London. The firm was also shortlisted for Global Legal Adviser of the Year.
—Infrastructure Journal Awards, 2010
Structured Finance/Debt Capital Markets Team of the Year
Shearman & Sterling won Legal Business Structured Finance/Debt Capital Markets Team of the Year for its work for ICE Clear Europe on setting up the first credit default swap (CDS) clearing service in Europe. The Legal Business award is given to the team that operates at the forefront of the structured finance market.
—Legal Business, 2010
Honorable Mention in American Lawyer's Litigation Department of the Year Competition
Shearman & Sterling's Global Litigation Practice was recognized with an Honorable Mention from The American Lawyer in the publication's biennial Litigation Department of the Year issue. Shearman & Sterling was one of 24 law firms to receive the designation in a competition that included the country’s largest 200 firms.
—The American Lawyer, 2010
Global Coverage Lifts Shearman & Sterling to Top Tier of Global M&A Rankings
Shearman & Sterling flexed its international muscle in 2009, advising on significant, complex transactions around the world to earn the No. 3 spot in Thomson Reuters’ global M&A rankings and the No. 4 spot according to Bloomberg LP. In the Thomson Reuters rankings, Shearman & Sterling was ranked 3rd in Worldwide Announced Deals (by value) with $267.9 billion, 137 deals and 12.9% market share. In the Bloomberg rankings, Shearman & Sterling was ranked 4th in Global Announced Deals (by value) with $214.8 billion, 132 deals and 12% market share. View further information.
Significant Shearman & Sterling Transactions Cited as LatinFinance ‘Deals of the Year’
Drawing on insight from the leading investors, issuers and bankers doing work across Latin America, LatinFinance named its 2010 Deals of the Year, and Shearman & Sterling’s commanding cross-practice work from its New York and São Paulo offices translated into recognition on four major transactions. The firm was recognized for its lead role in the following deals:
- Best Domestic M&A Transaction | Itaú Unibanco
- Best Quasi-Sovereign Bond | Ecopetrol
- Best Primary Equity Issue | VisaNet
- Best Sovereign Liability Management | Republic of Peru
View further information.
Recognized for Innovation on ICE Clear Europe and ICE Trust Projects
Shearman & Sterling was acknowledged for its innovative work on ICE Clear Europe and ICE Trust, new CDS clearing houses in Europe and the U.S., by FOW, a leading global derivatives publication. FOW awarded ICE Clear Europe and ICE Trust awards for "Best Innovation by a Clearing House, Europe, Middle East and Africa," and "Best Innovation by a Clearing House, Americas" in its 2009 Awards for Innovation. Shearman & Sterling also received an award for FOW's "Most Innovative Work by a Law Firm" in advising ICE Clear Europe and ICE Trust on these projects. FOW, formerly Futures & Options World, created its Awards for Innovation to recognize industry initiatives that have demonstrated innovation and a beneficial effect on markets. Shearman & Sterling's work on ICE Clear Europe and ICE Trust US was also acknowledged with a "highly commended" ranking in the FT Innovative Lawyer Awards in October.
—FOW, 2009
Named Law Firm of the Year for M&A at the JUVE Awards
Shearman & Sterling was recognized as "Law Firm of the Year for M&A" at the 2009 JUVE Awards. Shearman & Sterling’s German M&A team was acknowledged for its work in advising Allianz SE in the sale of Dresdner Bank, Hypo Real Estate with regard to the financial crisis, the German Government in connection with the restructuring of General Motors Group and Adam Opel GmbH and the Emirate of Qatar in its investment in Volkswagen and Porsche.
—JUVE, 2009
Recognized as a Top-Tier National Litigation Firm
Shearman & Sterling was designated a top-tier national litigation firm in Benchmark Litigation 2010. A publication of Euromoney/Legal Media Group, the guide focuses exclusively on leading US law firms and attorneys. Two Shearman & Sterling litigation practice areas were ranked in the top tier nationally: General Commercial and Securities. Shearman & Sterling's litigation practice was also ranked "Highly Recommended" in New York. Seven Shearman & Sterling litigators were ranked: Stephen Fishbein, Stuart Baskin, Herbert Washer, John Nathanson, Adam Hakki, Richard Schwed and Brian Polovoy.
—Benchmark Litigation 2010
High Rankings in Global M&A
Shearman & Sterling has played a significant role in the M&A market worldwide during the first nine months of 2009, solidifying its position as a global M&A leader. The firm announced strong M&A rankings around the world, led by a No. 2 ranking in Worldwide Completed Deals by value with $211 billion, 82 deals and 18.8% market share and No. 4 in Worldwide Announced Deals by value with $217 billion, 104 deals and 14.8% market share in Thomson Reuters rankings and a No. 5 ranking in Global Announced Deals by value with $159 billion, 98 deals and 13.5% market share in Bloomberg rankings. Other significant rankings for Shearman & Sterling included:
- #1 in Global Announced Deals – Energy (by value) with $25 billion, 9 deals and 18.7% market share (Bloomberg)
- #2 in Any US Involvement Completed (by value) with $137 billion, 39 deals and 26.5% market share (Thomson Reuters)
- #3 in Any German Involvement Completed (by value) with $18 billion, 13 deals and 32.4% market share (Thomson Reuters)
- #3 in Any Japanese Involvement Completed (by value) with $8 billion, 13 deals and 16.5% market share (Thomson Reuters)
- #4 in Any Canadian Involvement Announced (by value) with $23 billion, 5 deals and 25.2% market share (Thomson Reuters)
- #5 in Any US Involvement Announced (by value) with $153 billion, 56 deals and 25.6% market share (Thomson Reuters)
- #5 in Any German Involvement Announced (by value) with $19 billion, 16 deals and 21.4% market share (Thomson Reuters)
- #5 in Any Asia Pacific (ex-Japan) Involvement Completed (by value) with $11 billion, 14 deals and 7.5% market share (Thomson Reuters)
- <#6 in Europe Announced Deals – Counsel to Principals (by value) with $29 billion, 25 deals and 7.5% market share (Bloomberg)
- #6 in Hong Kong & China Announced Deals (by deal count) with $3 billion, 8 deals and 2.9% market share (Bloomberg)
- #6 in Japan Announced Deals (by deal count) with $8 billion, 15 deals and 8.8% market share (Bloomberg)
League Tables Reflect Strong Performance in EMEA Capital Markets
Shearman & Sterling's strength and prominence in advising on capital markets transactions was reflected in 2009 1st half EMEA legal adviser league tables published by Bloomberg. The firm advised numerous clients across Europe, including advising on six of the 12 equity capital raisings by major French corporates and representing the underwriters on HSBC Holdings plc's £12.5 billion SEC-registered rights offering—the largest-ever UK rights offering funded by private investors. Other significant capital markets transactions handled by the firm in Europe, the Middle East and Africa include: Danone's €3 billion public offering, Lafarge's €1.5 billion rights offering, Pernod Ricard's €1 billion public offering, RBS' £7 billion notes offering, Saint Gobain's €1.5 billion rights offering and Snam Rete Gas' €3.5 billion public offering. The Bloomberg rankings for Shearman & Sterling include:
- 2nd for advising managers of rights offerings by volume 3rd for advising issuers on equity-linked transactions by volume and deal count
- 3rd for advising Euromarket high yield issuers by volume (excluding emerging market countries)
- 4th for advising issuers on equity and equity-linked transactions by volume and deal count
- 4th for advising global bonds issuers by volume
Named ‘Most Innovative US Law Firm’ at IFLR’s 10th European Awards
Shearman & Sterling was named most innovative US law firm operating in Europe at the prestigious International Financial Law Review’s 10th European awards. This is the first year that IFLR has made an award in this category. The award recognizes the firm that has taken the most innovative roles on some of the best European deals of the past year. IFLR introduced the prize as a way of acknowledging the increasingly important role played by US firms in the European market. Shearman & Sterling was also shortlisted for this category in IFLR’s Asian awards.
—IFLR 10th European Awards, 2009
Firm Leads in IFLR Americas Awards Nominations
Shearman & Sterling leads the field in nominations for the International Financial Law Review (IFLR) Americas Awards for the second year in a row. The firm earned 10 nominations, including five team awards. The nominations include:
- Debt and Equity-Linked Deal of the Year (John Deere FDIC Offering)
- Securitisation Deal of the Year (Banco Internacional del Peru – Interbank)
- Equity Deal of the Year (Cadbury Snapple spin-off)
- Project Finance Deal of the Year (Panama Canal expansion)
- Project Finance Deal of the Year (GNL Quintero LNG)
- Securitisation Team of the Year
- Equity Team of the Year
- Private Equity Team of the Year
- Project Finance Team of the Year
- US Law Firm of the Year
Broad Sweep of Latin Finance Deal of the Year Awards for Latin America Group
Drawing on insight from the leading investors, issuers and bankers doing work across Latin America, LatinFinance made its 2008 Deal of the Year selections, and Shearman & Sterling’s commanding work from New York and São Paulo, across Capital Markets, M&A and Project Development & Finance, drew the following recognition:
- Best Domestic M&A Transaction 2008 | Bovespa/BM&F
- Best Follow-on Equity Issue 2008 | Gerdau
- Best Project Finance Deal 2008 | Angamos Power Project
- Best Sovereign Issuer 2008 | República Oriental del Uruguay
- Best Sovereign Liability Management 2008 | República Oriental del Uruguay
Asia Capital Markets Team Wins Double at Finance Asia Awards
Shearman & Sterling has won “Best High-Yield Bond” and “Best Mid-Cap Equity Deal” in the Finance Asia Awards for Achievement 2008. Vedanta Resources plc’s $1.25 billion Rule 144A/ Regulation S bond offering, which overcame difficult markets to become the largest-ever high-yield bond for an Asian corporate borrower, was awarded “Best High-Yield Bond.” Partner Alan Seem (Beijing-Capital Markets) led the team advising the underwriters on China Shanshui Cement’s US$269 million IPO, awarded “Best Mid-Cap Equity Deal.” The Shanshui IPO beat negative market sentiment to enable the greenshoe to be exercised in full—something only one other Hong Kong IPO (out of a total of 21) had managed to date in 2008.
Named ‘International Capital Markets Team of the Year’ and Awarded ‘Deal of the Year’ at the Asialaw India Awards 2008
Shearman & Sterling has been awarded “International Capital Markets Team of the Year” at the Asialaw India Awards 2008. The award recognizes the Capital Markets team’s work on many of India’s most significant deals in the last 12 months, highlights of which include representing the underwriters on the largest ever US listing by an Indian company, Sterlite Industries (India) Limited’s US$2 billion initial public offering and New York Stock Exchange listing of ADSs; Mercator Line’s IPO; and Vedanta Resources plc's bond offering, which was also named “Capital Markets Deal of the Year” at the awards.
Named ‘International Firm of the Year–Project Finance, Infrastructure and Energy’ and Awarded ‘Deal of the Year’ at China Law and Practice Awards 2008
Shearman & Sterling has been awarded “International Firm of the Year–Project Finance, Infrastructure and Energy” at the China Law and Practice Awards 2008. The award recognizes the China Project Development & Finance team’s work on many of the region’s landmark deals in the last twelve months, highlights of which include advising KEPCO in the US$1.5 billion acquisition of a portfolio of 12 power plants and nine coal assets in Shanxi Province, the largest ever private portfolio acquisition of power projects in China; BASF-YPC Company Limited (a joint venture between BASF and Sinopec) on the US$1.5 billion dollar refinancing of an integrated petrochemical project in Nanjing, China, one of the largest RMB take out refinancings to be done in China to date; and Dow Chemicals in connection with a US$9 billion coal to chemicals project in Shanxi Province, the largest ever FDI project in China. In addition, the Fujian Refining & Ethylene Joint Venture Project (FREP) has been named "Project Finance, Infrastructure and Energy Deal of the Year" at the awards. Shearman & Sterling advised the lenders, comprising 11 major PRC banks plus Sinopec Finance Company, on the US$4.5 billion financing for this expansion of an existing refinery in Fujian province, China. The FREP financing is a landmark deal in terms of size and innovation, being the first integrated refinery and petrochemicals project involving a Sino-foreign joint venture, and the largest project financing for a Sino-foreign joint venture in China to date.
A-List Honors for Fourth Consecutive Year
For the fourth year in a row, Shearman & Sterling has been named to the prestigious A-List of top law firms in the US by The American Lawyer. These 20 firms “best embody what it means to be a success in the legal community,” according to the magazine. In jumping two spots from number 15 in 2007 to its current 13th place national ranking, Shearman & Sterling had to exhibit exceptional performance across four A-List categories: revenue per lawyer, pro bono hours, associate satisfaction and diversity representation. In particular, Shearman & Sterling was rated as one of the elite firms in pro bono. The firm jumped from number 17 to number 11, with average pro bono hours per lawyer increasing from 77.2 to 90.8 and 84.1% of lawyers contributing more than 20 pro bono hours last year. Asked about the rise in pro bono activity among the A-List firms, Shearman & Sterling’s pro bono counsel, Saralyn Cohen, told The American Lawyer: “Pro bono effectiveness should be [about] narrowing the gap in access to justice. That’s what we’re trying to do. I don't mean to send attorneys on a pointless errand. You want them to be making a difference.”
—The American Lawyer, 2007
Named ‘2008 Americas Law Firm of the Year’ at IFLR Awards
Shearman & Sterling was the big winner of this year’s International Financial Law Review (IFLR) Americas Awards, earning the coveted 2008 Americas Law Firm of the Year Award plus five other awards for the most innovative deals and best legal teams. Nominated for an industry-best 14 awards in all, the firm won six, including: Debt and Equity-Linked Team of the Year; M&A Team of the Year; Debt & Equity-Linked Deal of the Year; M&A Deal of the Year—Euronext/NYSE; Restructuring Deal of the Year—Remy International prepackage.
—IFLR Awards, 2008
Practices, Attorneys Ranked High by Chambers USA and Legal 500 US
Shearman & Sterling’s practice areas and individual attorneys have received significant recognition in the latest Chambers USA and Legal 500 United States rankings. Both cited the firm for its expertise, client-oriented focus, and deep knowledge of clients’ businesses and markets. In Chambers USA, the firm has once again been recognized for its outstanding work in 14 practice areas and received first-time plaudits for nine specific legal services. Forty-six Shearman & Sterling US partners received individual recognition. In Legal 500 US, Shearman & Sterling ranked as a top firm for its work in 11 practices areas and received first-time plaudits for four specific legal services.
—Chambers USA and Legal 500 US, 2008
Global Elite Firm
Shearman & Sterling was recognized as a “Global Elite” firm by Legal Business for the past two consecutive years.
—Legal Business, 2007 and 2008
Litigation Group Makes Honor Roll
Shearman & Sterling was selected for The American Lawyer’s Honor Roll in its fourth biennial Litigation Department of the Year survey, placing it among the top 25 litigation practices in the country. The firm’s litigation department was recognized for having achieved a notable record in 2006 and 2007, particularly in its work on big securities class actions.
—The American Lawyer, 2008
Go-To Firm for Financial Services
Shearman & Sterling has been selected as a “Go-To Law Firm for Leading Financial Services Companies” for Litigation; Intellectual Property; Labor & Employment; Corporate Transactions/Mergers & Acquisitions; Securities; Regulatory Affairs, Compliance; Banking & Finance; Canada; and International by Incisive Media Guide (formerly American Lawyer Media) in 2008.
—Incisive Media Guide, 2008
One of America’s Best Corporate Law Firms
Shearman & Sterling was recognized as one of “America’s Best Corporate Law Firms” by Corporate Board Member.
—Corporate Board Member, 2007 and 2008
Project Finance Global Law Firm of the Year
Shearman & Sterling was recognized as “Global Law Firm of the Year” in Project Finance International’s (PFI) mega-project awards for 2008.
—Project Finance International, 2008
Japan Practice Tops Mergerstat League Tables
The strength of Shearman & Sterling’s Japan practice has been recognized in Mergerstat’s latest “Top Japan Advisors” league table, which monitors announced deals in the first six months of 2008. The firm is ranked No. 1 Legal Adviser by Enterprise Value with deals totalling over $167,712.6 million YTD. The firm also ranks No. 4 by Number of Deals with five deals announced YTD.
—Mergerstat, 2008
Named a ‘Top Ranked’ Law Firm by Chambers & Partners Europe
Shearman & Sterling has been recognized as a “Top Ranked” law firm in the 2008 Chambers & Partners Europe directory. The firm was praised in 38 different categories highlighting experience in its network of offices in major financial districts across Europe. Chambers & Partners describes Shearman & Sterling as “one of the most successful US firms in Europe” noting that the firm “continues to feature on high-end deals.” “Top Ranked” highlights for the firm include: Europe-wide—Dispute Resolution: International arbitration (Tier 1); France—International Arbitration France (Tier 1); France Capital Markets Equity (Tier 1); and Germany Insurance (Tier 1).
—Chambers & Partners Europe, 2008
Won Two Key European IFLR Awards
Shearman & Sterling won two awards at this year’s European IFLR awards ceremony: the highly regarded M&A Deal of the Year, for our involvement in the €71.1 billion takeover of ABN Amro; and Restructuring Deal of the Year, for our involvement in the refinancing and restructuring of the Schefenacker Group.
—IFLR Awards, 2008
Dispute Resolution Practice Ranked as Global Leader
The 2008 edition of Chambers Global has rated Shearman & Sterling’s Global Dispute Resolution Practice as Band 1 and characterizes the practice as “world-renowned.” The Litigation practice in the Americas is acknowledged for its high-profile work. Furthermore, the guide notes that Shearman & Sterling is known as a “giant in the arbitration world” and once again rated the firm’s International Arbitration practice as Band 1.
—Chambers Global, 2008
US Recruiting Site Wins Two Best in Class Awards
Shearman & Sterling’s 2007-2008 Recruiting Campaign has won two Best in Class awards in the categories of “Legal” and “Marketing” from Interactive Media Awards (IMA). The Best in Class award is the highest honor bestowed by the IMA. In order to win this award level, our US recruiting website had to successfully pass through a comprehensive judging process, achieving very high marks in each of IMA's judging criteria—an achievement only a fraction of sites in the IMA competition earn each year.
Click here to view the awards.
Click here to view our US recruiting website.
Asia Practices Get Top Marks in the Legal Directories
In the 2007/2008 legal directories, Asia Pacific Legal 500, Chambers Asia and IFLR 1000, Shearman & Sterling earned top rankings in a number of practice areas across Asia.
- Asia Pacific Legal 500—ranked Tier 1 in Capital Markets and Projects & Energy in China and in International Arbitration and Projects & Energy in Singapore.
- Chambers Asia—Asia-wide, the firm is ranked Top Tier in International Arbitration, Debt & Equity Capital Markets and in Corporate/M&A & Private Equity. Ranked Tier 1 in Equity Capital Markets and Corporate/M&A in China and Hong Kong, Corporate/M&A: Investment Funds in Japan and in Dispute Resolution and Projects & Energy in Singapore.
- IFLR 1000—ranked Top Tier in Capital Markets, and M&A in China and Equity Capital Markets in Hong Kong
In addition, Shearman & Sterling is ranked in several countries where the firm is active, but does not have established offices including India, Indonesia, the Philippines and South Korea.
Among Top-Ranked Practices in Germany
In the 2007/2008 edition of the German JUVE Yearbook, Shearman & Sterling’s German offices and practices again earned excellent rankings. Overall, the firm is top ranked in the national overview. In Litigation and Insurance Law we are ranked at the very top of the German market, and in the following practice areas we achieved top positions as well: Corporate Law, Arbitration, M&A, Company Succession and Trusts, Pharma (transactional) and Tax.
—JUVE, 2007/2008
Top Rank in Black Solicitors Network Diversity League Tables
Shearman & Sterling’s commitment to diversity has been recognised in this year’s Black Solicitors Network league tables. We have been ranked as the employer with the highest number of ethnic minority associates in the UK out of a survey that reviewed over 80 national and international law firms.
—Black Solicitors Network UK, 2007
Projects Group Dominates Infrastructure Journal League Tables
Shearman & Sterling’s global leadership in the Projects sector has been recognized in Infrastructure Journal’s latest league table results, which monitor deals closed in the first six months of 2007. The firm has dominated a number of the league table’s legal adviser categories and has been ranked as the top legal adviser for closed Power deals globally. The firm also ranked as the No.1 Projects Legal Adviser in the Middle East and North Africa. Globally Shearman & Sterling is ranked in the top three overall for closed deals. The firm also features in the top five legal advisers for the North America and Petrochemicals categories and the top 20 legal advisers for the Transport, Mining, and Renewables adviser in the wind sector, categories.
—Infrastructure Journal, 2007
Trophy Win London Graduate Recruitment Team
Shearman & Sterling’s London Graduate Recruitment team was recently honoured at the LawCareers. Net training and recruitment awards winning the ‘Best Recruiter—US Firm in the City’ accolade. This award follows research involving nearly 3000 trainees and NQs, which is the biggest analysis of its kind in the legal sector.
Chambers USA 2007
Twenty-seven Shearman & Sterling practice areas and thirty-four of the firm’s attorneys were recognized in the 2007 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business.
—Chambers USA, 2007
The A-List
For the past two years The American Lawyer has included Shearman & Sterling on its annual “A-List” of law firms. The magazine describes the list’s 20 law firms as “the profession’s top tier” and “the best law firms in the land.” The winners are compiled by measuring a firm’s revenue per lawyer, pro bono contribution, associate satisfaction and diversity.
—The American Lawyer, 2006
Client Choice Award Germany 2006
Shearman & Sterling´s German practice was honored at the International Law Office’s (ILO) second annual awards ceremony in Autumn 2006. Criteria on which firms are judged include quality of advice, commercial awareness, effective communication, tailored fee structures, depth of team, response time and use of technology.
—International Law Office, 2006
Leading Corporate Practice
In The American Lawyer's Corporate Scorecard 2006, which was featured in the publication’s April issue, Shearman & Sterling received nine top 10 rankings, placing the firm within the top five corporate law firms. According to The American Lawyer, the firm is strongest in the areas of mergers & acquisitions, equities, and corporate debt.
—The American Lawyer, 2006
#1 in Diversity
Shearman & Sterling is ranked #1 on the 2005 “Top 100 Law Firms for Diversity” survey.
—MultiCultural Law, 2006
Top 50 Global Law Firms
PLC Which Lawyer? named Shearman & Sterling one of the Top 50 Global Law Firms.
—PLC Which Lawyer?, 2004
The Global Model
The article “U.S. Old Stagers” described Shearman & Sterling as one of only two U.S. firms that “have traditionally staked all on a global model.” The article described the firm as being internationally active for decades, establishing “strong roots in Paris in the post-war period” and by opening offices in Germany in the early 1990s. It also notes that “Shearman has continued to build—and its recent difficulties in New York have not deterred the firm from its strategy.”
—The Lawyer, 2004
German Success Story
“Shearman & Sterling LLP is the real success story of the last decade, particularly in transactions . . . Clients as DaimlerChrysler and Deutsche Bank AG outline the firm’s popularity amongst the blue-chip client sector.”
—Europe Legal 500, 2004
The Front Line
“France, Germany and Benelux have seen the greatest influx of international firms of all the European jurisdictions over the last decade, but a top tier of independent firms is still retaining a strong grip on the market … The top 10 deals during this period were dominated by the major international firms, most notably [Shearman & Sterling].”
—Legal Week, 2004
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