Awards
Five-time Winner of “Global Trade & Customs Law Firm of the Year”
Sidley has received
Who’s Who Legal’s “Global Trade & Customs Law Firm of the Year” award every year since the award’s inception in 2005. Nine of the firm’s partners feature in the Trade & Customs chapter of the 2009 edition of
The International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers:
- Scott Andersen
- Richard Belanger
- Neil Ellis
- Todd Friedbacher
- Nicolas Lockhart
- Daniel Price
- Laurent Ruessmann
- Andrew Shoyer
- Richard Weiner
“In a highly competitive field, retaining the
Who’s Who Legal Law Firm of the Year Award for Trade & Customs is an outstanding achievement. Sidley Austin LLP joins a select band of firms to dominate an area in this fashion. Its continuing success is reflected in the consistently positive feedback we received, recognising the firm’s exceptional individual and collective talent. We have no hesitation in once again declaring Sidley Austin LLP the leading firm in the world in this area.”
Who’s Who Legal Awards 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and
2009
Sidley Practice Head Receives “Leading Lawyers Award”
Andy Shoyer, head of Sidley Austin’s 80-lawyer international trade practice, was one of 10 attorneys to receive L
egal Times’ 2007 Leading Lawyers Award for International Trade. According to the report, Shoyer was selected for the prestigious award based on clients’ resounding praise for his ‘
incredible knowledge’, his ability ‘
to think of good, interesting solutions and alternatives when we might hit a barrier’, his experience in the WTO and ‘
his ability to think out of the box’, while others applaud Shoyer as ‘
perhaps the most responsive lawyer with whom I have ever worked, and his ethics are beyond reproach’ and note his ‘
great calming effect. . . . I always feel confident when I talk to him’.
Legal Times, September 2007
Client and Industry Praise Chambers Consistently Ranks Sidley as Top Global WTO/International Trade Practice
‘the trade practice of the future today’
Sidley is consistently ranked as one of the top WTO/international trade practices by
Chambers and Partners and holds the Chambers Global Award for “Global WTO Law Firm of the Year”. Recent praise from
Chambers includes:
Global Practice “Undoubtedly a force in the international trade arena, this firm has excellent offices in Washington, DC and Brussels; however, the jewel in its crown is the Geneva branch, which handles a large proportion of the WTO cases worldwide. Although its base is in Washington, DC, Sidley Austin is considered to offer a
‘global view of trade’ and ‘
seamless co-ordination between its offices.’ In DC, Andrew Shoyer expertly leads the practice group, guiding it into new areas where he is involved such as climate change and nanotechnology, and their effects on trade. Meanwhile, James Mendenhall strengthens the group with regard to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Leading the Switzerland office, Scott Andersen could not be more highly recommended by sources; he has an equally lauded team behind him, comprising Todd Friedbacher and Nicolas Lockhart. . . . The team also regularly advises governments on proceeding with cases in the World Intellectual Property Organization and World Health Organization, which may then lead to the WTO, and has built itself a position as a firm of choice for advice in multilateral trade negotiations. The Brussels group is also among the best in the market, and clients can count on its deep expertise in the various strains of trade law. Richard Weiner leads the office, dividing his time between Brussels and Washington. In Asia, the firm is building a presence on the basis of its worldwide reputation. . . .”
Chambers Global 2009 - Global, International Trade/WTO
Europe-Wide Practice
“The firm’s international trade and dispute resolution group has its headquarters in Washington, DC, and the Brussels office takes on a high volume of EU-related trade policy and trade remedy work. The fast-growing and
‘perennially high-quality’ Brussels team works alongside the Geneva practice, which is described as
‘fantastically adept at fine-tuning a case.’ Richard Weiner heads the Brussels office; he divides his time between Washington, DC and Belgium and specialises in representing European industries in anti-dumping and countervailing duties cases. He is praised as
‘well established and well respected within the field.’ The
‘highly experienced’ Laurent Ruessmann co-founded the Brussels office with Weiner. His practice tends to focus on representing foreign exporters into the EU. Also central to the team is Arnoud Willems, who is considered to be
‘a top professional whose reputation is rising in the market.’ Market access advice is another string to the firm’s bow; it is also well versed in WTO matters, which are often acted on from the
‘superb’ Geneva outpost. Leading that team is the
‘incredibly responsive’ Scott Andersen, who interviewees say is
‘simply a dream to work with.’ Also a key player in the 13-strong Geneva team is the excellent Todd Friedbacher, whose wide-ranging practice includes advising governments and private entities on the import of WTO and other multilateral trade agreements. In addition to its legal professionals, clients coming to Sidley in Geneva can also count on the support of policy adviser John Weekes, a former ambassador to the WTO. With a consistently strategic approach, Sidley Austin’s global infrastructure and attention to detail make it a
‘firm that is setting the pace in the international trade arena.’ ”
Chambers Global 2009 - Europe-wide, International Trade/WTO
Brussels Practice
“A global giant for trade work, this firm has a
‘first-class office’ in Brussels which advises on all areas of the field, from policy to remedies to WTO law. [The Brussels team is] led by Richard Weiner, . . . a
‘true gentleman’ say clients, who value his open-mindedness and empathy. Additionally, peers praise his capabilities, saying his work is
‘of an excellent standard.’ Laurent Ruessmann[‘s] . . .
‘cogent and persuasive arguments and ability to see things in a broader context’ are highlighted by observers. Arnoud Willems is
‘rising in the market.’ Interviewees noted that he
‘builds great cases’ and his
‘extensive knowledge of the Brussels scene is highly beneficial.’ . . . Peers consider the entire team a
‘referral point for top trade work’ with
‘excellent legal arguments and a growing lobbying presence.’ The
‘extremely effective group’ works with the offices in Washington and Geneva, with the latter being a focus point for the WTO cases. . . .”
Chambers Global 2009 – Belgium, International Trade/WTO
Geneva Practice
“ ‘Clearly number one in Geneva,’ this firm features a host of top lawyers involved in the biggest WTO matters. The 13-lawyer team divides work into two broad areas: trade negotiation issues and WTO litigation. It often assists developing countries with cases before the World Intellectual Property Organization and the WTO . . . . The top choice for WTO work in Switzerland, Scott Andersen leads the team.
‘Absolutely excellent and effective,’ he utilises his vast skills and experience on international disputes involving anti-dumping, investment and IP issues, amongst others. Todd Friedbacher is
‘a discreet problem solver: he thinks before he talks, does his homework and provides sound advice.’ These skills serve him well, whether acting in litigation before the WTO or advising multinational corporations and governments. New to the rankings, Nicolas Lockhart has
‘admirable intellectual rigour, presenting brilliant arguments to the appellate body.’ In addition to its legal professionals, the team provides clients with the support of senior policy adviser and non-lawyer John Weekes, a former ambassador to the WTO, who now provides international trade policy advice to companies.”
Chambers Europe 2009 – Switzerland, International Trade/WTO
Washington, D.C.
“Sidley is the WTO counsel of choice for many governmental and commercial clients. . . . Andy Shoyer chairs the firm‘s international trade and dispute resolution practice, and has a wonderful reputation among peers for his first-rate ability in WTO matters. He is significantly involved in legal responses to climate change. In early 2009, trade policy expert, heavyweight advocate and all-around big hitter Dan Price rejoined the firm after a stint as a senior adviser in the Bush administration, and his presence reaffirms the team’s status as a market leader.”
Chambers USA, 2009 – International Trade (National)
“Many sources consider Sidley Austin synonymous with WTO work, both in dispute settlement and policy negotiations: one peer describes the firm as ‘
on everybody’s shortlist for WTO representation.’ This strong reputation is bolstered by its offices in Geneva and Brussels, as well as its highly respected Washington, DC shop. . . . Recent developments have seen the team acting on cases regarding biofuels and climate change, and it is currently working on policy issues related to emission regulations and carbon-intensive imports to the USA. This type of work means the practice is able to retain its reputation as ‘
current and cutting edge,’ something that clients certainly notice. Andy Shoyer is heavily involved in climate change legislation, but still maintains a practice in other areas. Clients rate him as ‘
perhaps the most responsive outside counsel with whom we have worked.’ Peers also praise him, with one confiding that ‘
I still think of him as the king.’ ”
Chambers Global 2009 – USA, International Trade (National)
Highly Esteemed International Arbitration Practice
“This practice is highly esteemed for its strength in investor-state arbitration, an area with which the Washington, DC office is closely associated due to its seven international arbitration partners. This group coordinates with teams in New York and colleagues in London and Hong Kong. The team acts in commercial arbitrations, notably those involving Asia. Clients appreciate the firm’s thoughtful and effective approach when identifying the most appropriate attorneys for a matter. . . . Stanimir Alexandrov is the key figure here, and interviewees highlight his ‘
huge brainpower, strategic ability and insight into the thought processes of governmental bodies.’ The practice has been boosted by the return of Daniel Price from the Bush administration. Sources praise him as someone who ‘
speaks with considerable authority, and has excellent commercial sense’.”
Chambers USA, 2009 – International Arbitration (National)
“[A]cross its full network of offices . . . [Sidley] has maintained a good track record for international trade-related disputes, and has become a strong name in investor-state arbitrations. Located not far from the ICSID, the Washington, DC office is touted as the central hub of activity; however, the firm’s presence in Asia is growing. The firm’s key contact is Stanimir Alexandrov.”
Chambers Global 2009 – Global, Arbitration (International)
“Investment treaty arbitrations form the mainstay of this team’s work, accounting for a large part of its fine reputation. It has been instructed by governments and companies alike in a variety of disputes relating to international trade agreements and investment treaties. . . . Sources are full of admiration for Stanimir Alexandrov, declaring him a brilliant strategist who can accurately predict the tactics used by the client’s opponent and incorporate them into his own handling of the case.”
Chambers Latin America 2010 - Latin America-wide, International Arbitration
“Assisted by a powerful profile in the international trade sphere, Sidley has found itself in a favourable position with regard to investor-state arbitration, and is now one of the area’s trailblazers. The hugely respected Dan Price . . . laid the foundations of a practice that focuses on sovereign states and investing entities. Proximity to ICSID was surely a factor in Sidley’s choosing Washington, DC as its centre of operations, and . . . [lawyers there] work in close alliance with Hong Kong to cover Asian arbitral work” Stanimir Alexandrov is a key contact for the firm.
Chambers Global 2008 – Global, Arbitration (International)
“While Sidley Austin LLP’s Washington DC office is home to seven international arbitration partners, its international commercial arbitration practice is divided between its other domestic offices. . . . With an extensive international reach, arbitration expertise is drawn from offices worldwide, ranging from Hong Kong to New York to London. The firm possesses a ‘
well-respected’ and ‘
long established’ investor-state arbitration practice, representing companies and governments in disputes arising under international trade agreements and treaties. Experienced before the major tribunals, including ICSID and UNICITRAL, the team also acts in state-to-state disputes under the WTO Agreements. The team is noted for its burgeoning presence in the Asia markets, and international arbitration practitioners in Hong Kong and Tokyo, in particular, often work alongside their US counterparts. Following time spent in the Bush administration, Daniel Price has returned to the team, which is regarded as a ‘
hugely positive move’. A partner was added to its Hong Kong office, and the Washington office has grown at associate level. . . . In Washington DC, Stanimir Alexandrov elicits praise for his ‘
hard-working approach’ and ‘
switched-on’ attitude. He possesses expertise in Bulgarian matters, and is adept at handling WTO disputes for sovereigns, private clients and governments. Jennifer Haworth McCandless, also in Washington DC, boasts significant experience in WTO disputes and investor-state matters. She is considered ‘
very capable’, always paying ‘
close attention to detail’. ”
The Legal 500 United States 2009, Litigation – International Arbitration
“A huge docket of ICSID, UNCITRAL and WTO work ensures that Sidley Austin practically sets the benchmark for investor-state arbitration. The firm even represents ICSID itself in litigation issues that arise out of arbitral issues at the center. A strong background in international politics means the firm is in high demand to represent both claimants and sovereign states, while it is also employed by commercial clients . . . to advise on structuring transactions in order to take full advantage of the features of international investment treaties. Clients hailed the ‘
unparalleled first-hand knowledge and insight of arbitral rules and institutions’ as reasons for the firm‘s ‘
superb reputation’ in this field. . . . As a former vice minister of foreign affairs of Bulgaria, Stanimir Alexandrov’s political credentials are assured. Interviewees describe him as a ‘
highly polished practitioner whose government experience gives him unique insights that can prove invaluable’.. . . The extremely knowledgeable and precise Dan Price is a global leader in thinking in the area of international investment”
Chambers USA 2007, International Arbitration – National
Observing that “The single most important development in the international arbitration arena over the past few years has been the rise in the number of investment treaty claims brought before the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID),”
Cross-Border Quarterly and
Which Lawyer? identified Dan Price as one of the “Top 20 Arbitration Specialists,” noting that he “has been praised for his high-profile work in investment treaty arbitrations.”
Cross-Border Quarterly, July-Sept. 2006: “The Arbitration Elite: In a League of Their Own”
Benchmark Litigation Praises International Arbitration Team
National
“Aside from its highly-regarded presence in Chicago, Sidley Austin maintains a foothold in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and District of Columbia litigation. Clients consistently praise the lawyers there. ‘
They are committed to customer satisfaction,’ says one client. ‘
Their outstanding reputation is justified.’ Not only are some clients pleased with the quality the firm delivers, but clients often seek out partners for intense, all-or-nothing matters. ‘
They move mountains to provide hundreds of hours of work to help out at a moment’s notice,’ says one client. ‘
They’re extremely responsive.’ . . . “
They are at the top of the top firms,” says one client. . . . ‘
Partners here are recognized country-wide as terrific,’ says one client. . . . With a growing international client base, Stanimir Alexandrov receives praise for staying abreast of foreign trends in international arbitration. Supporting him in Washington are several prominent lawyers: Marinn Carlson, Thomas Green, Mark Hopson and Carter Phillips. All of whom are mentioned in this edition for their superior work over the past year.”
Benchmark Litigation 2009 - National
Washington, D.C.
“Sidley Austin boasts one of the most diverse and impressive litigation practices in the country and the firm’s Washington office is no different. Of the 16 different litigation practices the office handles, white-collar criminal defense, appellate and international arbitration stand out to peers as the ‘
most visible.’ . . . The international arbitration group pulls experience from the numerous former government litigators that entered into private practice during the mid-1990s and early-2000s.”
Benchmark Litigation 2009 - District of Columbia
Top Ranked in International Trade by Legal 500
Brussels“Sidley Austin LLP has a strong trade practice, with a
‘professional approach’, being
‘well connected, and having a good sense of cultural differences’. The firm has
‘simply the best WTO practice there is’. Clients single out Laurent Ruessmann as
‘soft spoken but firm in reaching objectives’. Richard Weiner is
‘aggressive in defending the client’, ‘persistent’, and
‘puts together a process to work on a specific goal’. The firm’s anti-dumping practice possesses depth (in the complexity of their files) and breadth (in the range of clients assisted). Customs work also remains a highlight. Sidley Austin LLP handles a broad range of matters, including OLAF investigations.”
Legal 500 EMEA 2009 – Belgium, Customs, Trade, WTO and Anti-dumping
Geneva“Geneva-based firm Sidley Austin LLP has an excellent international trade and WTO practice, according to clients. In 2008, the firm added Nicolas Lockhart to the partnership alongside Scott Andersen and Todd Friedbacher. Currently, the firm is representing stakeholders in 17 WTO disputes . . . . Former Canadian Ambassador to the GATT and WTO, John Weekes advises clients on a range of matters before Geneva-based intergovernmental organizations such as the World Health Organization, the World Intellectual Property Organization, and the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants.”
Legal 500 EMEA 2009 – Switzerland, EU, Competition and WTO
Washington, D.C. “According to clients, ‘
what is most impressive about Sidley Austin LLP’s international trade lawyers is their ability to provide strong support on substantive issues, as well as engage in very effective outreach with Washington DC-based policymakers’. The firm provides a comprehensive service, covering the full range of international trade and investment regulation, and is ‘
indisputably in the top-tier’ across the board. The international trade practice has been further augmented by the return of group founder Daniel Price from his tenure as Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economic Affairs. Perhaps the practice’s strongest suit is its expertise with the WTO, both in dispute settlement and trade negotiations. The firm has offices servicing clients’ needs in Brussels and Geneva as well as Washington DC, and is currently representing stakeholders in 17 WTO disputes. . . . Customs and export controls and sanctions are growth areas at the firm. Practice head Andrew Shoyer is recommended by clients as a ‘
very good lawyer, who speaks and writes well, with excellent personal skills and ample experience’. Richard Belanger is singled out ‘
for his knowledge and contacts in Washington DC, both on the Hill and in the agencies’. Neil Ellis is widely recognised as ‘
one of leading US Experts on trade matters’, ‘practical in his approach to solutions and realistic about likely outcomes’. James Mendenhall receives praise for ‘
the impressive depth of his experience in the private and public sectors which provides great substantive and procedural benefit’.”
The Legal 500 United States 2009, Litigation – International Trade
Outstanding Reputation in Dispute Resolution
“[T]his firm appears relatively consistently in contentious matters, particularly relating to international and cross-border disputes. The lawyers are described as
‘objective and pragmatic.’ The calibre of the clientele speaks for itself . . . . Charles Allen is the key contact partner.”
Chambers Asia 2009 – China, Dispute Resolution: Hong Kong-based Counsel
“Complementing the firm’s corporate capabilities, this thriving dispute resolution practice is singled out for its lawyers’
‘objective and pragmatic advice’ and well thought-out approach. . . . ‘
A good, lateral thinker,’ Charles Allen was made partner in 2007 and is prized for the strong relationships he builds with clients. Bilingual in Korean and English, Allen Kim ‘
engenders great confidence with his skilled and efficient manner’.”
Chambers Asia 2009 – Hong Kong, Dispute Resolution
“Admired for its
‘awesome quality’, Sidley Austin LLP’s Geneva office is dedicated solely to work relating to the WTO. Described as an
‘excellent oral advocate’, Nicolas Lockhart was made a partner in July 2008. Scott Andersen leads the team that is currently representing stakeholders in 17 WTO disputes . . . .”
Legal 500 EMEA 2009 – Switzerland, Dispute Resolution
“Sidley Austin has an extremely diverse practice that covers a broad swathe of commercial litigation and arbitration . . . Allen Kim, who clients describe as ‘
very professional’, ‘thorough’, ‘responsive’ and a talented advocate, has brought a substantial portfolio of Korea-originated arbitration to the Hong Kong office. . . . Charles Allen heads the department and is widely praised for his record in Hong Kong disputes.”
Asia Pacific Legal 500, 2008/2009, Hong Kong – Dispute Resolution
In London, “Dorothy Cory-Wright heads the department and is noted as ‘
very client focused’ with ‘
excellent technical skills’. The group has been involved in some interesting multi-jurisdictional disputes, and works closely with colleagues in Chicago and New York City.”
Legal 500 UK 2009 – London, Insurance, Insurance and reinsurance litigation
The Lawyer Hot 100
The Lawyer, a U.K. publication that covers the legal profession, has named Dorothy Cory-Wright to its “Hot 100” list for 2008. As a barrister and solicitor-advocate, Dorothy was named in the litigators category.
The Lawyer also highlighted Dorothy’s practice in its December 1, 2008 issue in an article that discussed U.K. litigators who have joined U.S.-based firms. The article noted that since joining Sidley in July 2007, Dorothy ‘
has turned her hand to a whole bunch of commercial disputes’ in addition to her practice in reinsurance litigation.
The Lawyer Hot 100 2008
Women in Arbitration
Global Arbitration Review published a special report on the rising status of women in the international arbitration field, according to which “many women between the age of 38 and 48 are now considered by peers and clients as heavy hitters”. Sidley’s Marinn Carlson was profiled alongside 37 other prominent women arbitrators from around the globe.
Global Arbitration Review 2007
Sidley Tops the Elite International Arbitration Practices
In an article profiling the leading international arbitration practices based in Washington, D.C., Sidley is among the four firms standing out as elite. Yet while “[e]ach earns points with rivals for having: (i) a mix of types of work, and (ii) well respected leaders with international standing in the field. . . . In the peer review category, Sidley Austin appears to stand apart, even from the other three elite Washington arbitration practices . . . . Its team is spearheaded by Dan Price . . . . ‘
Sidley’s a very serious practice’, comments one rival. ‘
Dan Price is a spectacular lawyer and the group as a whole is very good at its job.’ Price is described as the practice’s initial lightning rod.” Stanimir Alexandrov, Marinn Carlson and Jennifer Haworth McCandless are also mentioned as key members of the Sidley team.
Global Arbitration Review 2006, Volume 1, Issue 4
Trade Warriors
“When [Sidley Austin's] Daniel Price left the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative in 1992, he understood globalization from the inside out. . . . Price saw a broader order — and a new practice area — emerging from the Uruguay Round of trade talks, the North American Free Trade Agreement, and bilateral investment treaties. . . . ‘
I saw the opportunity to do something different — to serve private stakeholders dealing with the challenges of globalization.’ . . . Global trade practice is expanding as the law implicates ever more economic sectors and players. ‘
The WTO covers every aspect of international economic affairs,’ says Price, ‘
not only goods, but services and intellectual property. For sophisticated companies, it’s impossible to ignore as they structure investments or address regulatory problems.’ . . . Now arbitration between states and investors takes up 30 percent of the Sidley group’s time. ‘
There’s an artificial line between WTO and investor-state cases,’ [Price] says. ‘
We’re the first group to identify this practice, and conceptualize it as seamless.’ "
The American Lawyer, Focus Europe, Winter 2006