Praise For Sidley Austin’s International Trade Practice
Awards
“Chambers USA Award for Excellence” in International Trade
Sidley has received the 2010 “
Chambers USA Award for Excellence” for International Trade. The
Chambers USA Awards for Excellence honor outstanding lawyers and law firms across the USA, reflecting both pre-eminence in key practice areas and achievements over the last 12 months.
Chambers USA Awards for Excellence 2010
Six-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. The following Sidley partners feature in the Trade & Customs chapter of the 2010 edition of
The International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers:
"To win the
Who’s Who Legal Law Firm of the Year Award for Trade & Customs every single year since 2005 demonstrates Sidley’s pre-eminent standing in the market. The high esteem in which the firm is held is reflected by the exceptional levels of positive feedback its lawyers received from our sources in a range of countries worldwide. Sidley Austin is one of an elite group of firms to have won one of our awards every year since its inception, and we are delighted to recognise them as the world’s leading trade and customs law firm once again.”
Who’s Who Legal Awards 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010
Sidley Receives “Client Choice Awards” Sidley has been named the U.S. Law Firm of the year and partner Andrew Shoyer has been recognized as the Trade & Customs – U.S. category winner by the International Law Office (ILO) Client Choice Awards 2010. The ILO research team surveys senior corporate counsel, with this year's winners chosen from a pool of more than 2,000 individual client assessments. The 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.
ILO Client Choice Awards 2010
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 the “
Legal 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 premier WTO/international trade practices by
Chambers and Partners, with top-tier rankings in the Global, Europe-wide, Belgium, Switzerland and United States chapters, as well as top-tier rankings for individuals (Scott Andersen and Andrew Shoyer) – more than any other firm. Recent praise from
Chambers includes:
Global“Continuous commitment to and investment in the trade field mean that this firm is widely viewed as a leader in the area. It has excellent teams in Washington, DC and Brussels and the most renowned team in Geneva, where its name is synonymous with WTO instructions and expertise. . . . A potent force in traditional trade matters, the practice is also moving into developing areas of the field such as climate change and TRIPS. Sources say: ‘
Outstanding for all trade-related matters.’ Leading the team is big hitter Andy Shoyer, a renowned WTO and trade remedy expert. Brenda Jacobs is another important Washington name, and works frequently on Asia-related cases. The Brussels outpost is led by Richard Weiner, and the top-tier team there includes... Arnoud Willems. Scott Andersen is the principal contact point in Geneva.”
Chambers Global 2010 - Global, International Trade/WTO
Europe-Wide
“Sidley Austin is one of the top global trade firms, and its European offering is a key component of its worldwide offering. The Geneva office handles a large proportion of worldwide WTO cases . . . . In the Brussels office, the lawyers are involved in proceedings involving footwear, silicon metal, bed linen and refrigerator anti-dumping measures, as well as customs, rules of origin and market access matters. The team also defends clients in third-country trade remedies disputes . . .. Other matters relate to the increase in climate change and environmental regulations concerning trade. Sources say: ‘
They are very flexible and give their clients the maximum opportunities – they deliver excellent value’; ‘
Sidley’s WTO expertise as a group is unrivalled’; ‘
We came with high expectations of the known partners, but those I didn't know also surpassed our expectations.’ The Geneva office is led by Scott Andersen, who focuses on WTO law. Clients praise his ability ‘
to close claims in an air-tight fashion.’ Todd Friedbacher and Nicolas Lockhart are both prominent attorneys in WTO law. Friedbacher ‘
is excellent at coming up with creative yet solid ideas to deal with novel issues.’ Lockhart is quickly cementing his presence in the field . . . . Richard Weiner leads the team in Brussels, though he also spends time in Washington, DC. Sources say he ‘
thoroughly understands the nexus of trade policy, business and business issues, and will return with a tailor-made solution that exactly matches the client‘s needs.’ . . . Arnoud Willems is quickly consolidating his profile in the Brussels market, and has a raft of clients in Eastern Europe . . . . Clients value his proactive style, saying: ‘
He is tenacious when pursuing our interests and finds solutions others never thought of.’ ”
Chambers Global 2010 - Europe-wide, International Trade/WTO
Asia-Wide“Sidley can draw on its impressive resources from Geneva, Washington, DC and Brussels to attend to Asia-related cases. . . . On Asia-related matters, the firm has expertise in relation to GSP programmes and policy issues in the USA, advising both importers and government entities. Sources say: ‘
The depth of the firm is impressive, as are their contacts within the Trade Department and related agencies that impact US trade policy. We have been 100% satisfied.’ In the Asian markets, Brenda Jacobs is highly visible and comes recommended for her experience in the textiles field. Her wide gamut of work includes policy queries, FTA advice, trade remedy work and customs, where she has been acting for Asian companies looking to invest in Central America. Observers state that she ‘
combines extensive experience in dealing with US government agencies and US companies with her legal knowledge and her profound understanding of business culture in Asia. In most cases, she has been ahead of the curve in identifying important developments for her clients and putting forward practical strategies.’ ”
Chambers Global 2010 - Asia-wide, International Trade/WTO
Washington, D.C. “Sidley Austin is the primary choice for trade associations, governments and corporate clients needing WTO and trade policy advice. Additionally, clients can take advantage of the firm’s fine reputation for customs, export controls and import relief. . . . The firm is also active on trade-related climate change policy, product safety concerns, IP rights and trade agreements. Sources say: ‘
The team has a high level of commitment to client service and responsiveness, in terms of both time frames and the ability to make complex regulations comprehensible.’ . . . Andy Shoyer is head of the international trade . . . group, and elicits praise for his command of the WTO disputes process. . . . He is described as ‘
a great lawyer, and one of the nicest guys in the world.’ Lisa Crosby leads the firm’s export controls and economic sanctions practice, and clients state: ‘
She takes on an incredible amount of work and is plugged into our business and our needs.’ . . . ”
Chambers USA 2010 – Nationwide, International Trade
“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.”
Chambers Global 2010 – United States, International Trade
Brussels
“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.’ 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
“Sidley Austin‘s Geneva office handles a large proportion of worldwide WTO cases . . .. Observers note that ‘
Sidley’s WTO expertise as a group is unrivalled. They have extensive experience in WTO litigation – probably more than any other law firm.’ . . . The Geneva team is also noted for its prowess in assisting with multilateral trade negotiations and policy analysis . . . . The group also frequently assists clients regarding the increase in regulation relating to climate change, environmental standards and safety. The office is led by Scott Andersen, who is lauded by clients for ‘
his broad-based perspective in disputes.’ His focus on WTO law means that he is ‘
able to close claims in a more airtight fashion than other counsel,’ according to sources. He is supported by Todd Friedbacher and Nicolas Lockhart, both prominent attorneys in WTO law. Friedbacher is ‘
excellent at coming up with creative ideas to deal with difficult issues,’ while Lockhart is quickly cementing his presence in the field . . . . ”
Chambers Europe 2010 – Switzerland, International Trade/WTO
U.S.News - Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms”
Sidley’s international trade practice was praised by clients in the inaugural
U.S.News - Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” survey for 2010, published by
U.S.News & World Report. According to clients: “Sidley Austin provides a realistic approach to addressing our legal needs and works hard to foster a relationship of trust that helps distinguish itself from other firms in the marketplace.” “As far as global free trade initiatives are concerned and knowing how to relate to my industry and our company, there is no firm better than Sidley Austin.”
U.S.News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” Survey 2010
Washington, D.C. partners Richard Belanger, Brenda Jacobs and Andrew Shoyer are recognized in the 2011 edition of
The Best Lawyers in America for International Trade and Finance Law. They are praised by clients as follows:
- Richard Belanger “is top notch.“ “Dick is an outstanding professional who has a deep knowledge of trade and customs law. He balances technical knowledge with a strong awareness of how the real world functions, which results in ideas and solutions that actually work in practice and lead to great outcomes.“
- Brenda Jacobs “is the consummate professional and is very knowledgeable in her field.“ “Ms. Jacobs is gutsy, competent, persevering, articulate, and resourceful, but, above all, a fierce and loyal advocate of our cause. Whether appearing in trade court or the halls of congress, she is a dedicated and tireless worker who can be relied upon to safeguard the interests of her client.“ “Brenda is my go-to person on trade and trade policy. She bears a wealth of information, not only about the facts, but the ‘why’s’ of the case, as well.“ “Ms. Jacobs has an invaluable list of high-level contacts who she can call on for a host of different issues. . . . Overall, I would highly recommend Ms. Jacobs as a fair, honorable, and hard-working attorney . . . .“
- Andrew Shoyer “is one of the best strategic legal practitioners with whom I have worked in 25 years. He has a keen sense of practicality and realism that informs his strategic counsel. . . . The authenticity and ethics of Shoyer are exceptional, and indeed, essential in the global trade practice in which he excels. . . . Shoyer also has extraordinary anticipatory skills which he couples with his thorough knowledge and experience in international trade. . . . Mr. Shoyer is a respectful, thoughtful, and skilled attorney with whom I hope to have the privilege of working for the remainder of my career.“
The Best Lawyers in America 2011
Top Ranked in Trade and Customs by Who’s Who Legal
“Sidley Austin LLP is at the head of our research . . . . Andrew Shoyer chairs the firm’s international trade and dispute resolution practice and is ‘
world class’, while Richard Belanger’s ‘
terrific’ practice was pointed out to us. Neil Ellis has been listed for his work in complex international trade cases. . . In Geneva the ‘
highly respected’ and ‘
very experienced’ Scott Andersen focuses on WTO disputes. Nicolas Lockhart is known to be
‘one of the strongest’ in the field, specialising in the development and enforcement of international trade rules. Todd Friedbacher completes this team from the Geneva office and has counseled and represented governments and private parties on trade and regulatory issues."
Who’s Who Legal 2010 – Trade and Customs
Top Ranked in International Trade by Legal 500
Washington, D.C. “Praised for its ‘
unmatched capability in integrating legal, policy and business considerations and formulating creative solutions’, Sidley Austin LLP ‘
beats its competitors on all fronts’. . . . [T]he team provides advice that is ‘
clear and rooted in a good knowledge of the practical issues faced by the industry’. Attorneys are highly recommended for their ‘
exceptional response and willingness to travel to and engage with the client’s business’. The team features negotiators, deal-makers, policy advisers, and litigators who assist clients in disputes arising under the WTO Agreements, negotiations of free trade agreements and bilateral investment treaties, as well as WTO accession commitments. ‘
The exceptionally deep group’ also advises on customs classification, valuation and rules of preferential trade regimes and free trade areas, such as NAFTA. Another growing area in which the practice excels is that of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act compliance. . . . Heading the firm’s international trade . . . group, Andrew Shoyer is ‘
an extremely talented and knowledgeable lawyer on both WTO agreements and US trade policy’. Shoyer’s
’real world experience as trade negotiator and litigator made him a well-known figure in both Geneva and Washington trade circles’. ‘
Highly respected’ Lisa Crosby is ‘
responsive to all client requests, accessible and commercial’, while Joe Tompkins is ‘
a very experienced player in serious investigations, the person you want on your side when there are high stakes at issue’. Richard Belanger knows ‘
how to get the job done, and has some of the best instincts on how to address key issues in the interest of his client’.”
The Legal 500 United States 2010, Litigation – International Trade
Brussels
“Sidley Austin LLP continues to deliver
‘a first-rate service and perfect industry knowledge’. Clients value the team’s
‘resourcefulness in identifying and coming up with creative original ideas and strategies’. With a
‘great network in Brussels and an excellent reputation with the EU authorities’, the practice advises complainants, respondents, users, governments or other stakeholders. One client described Arnoud Willems as the
‘perfect anti-dumping duty payer’s bulldog’. Richard Weiner is singled out for being an
‘excellent legal professional, very approachable and always available’.”
Legal 500 EMEA 2010 – Belgium, Customs, Trade, WTO and Anti-dumping
Geneva “Scott Andersen heads Sidley Austin LLP’s
‘excellent’ three-partner practice in Geneva, which gives clients a
‘thoroughly professional service’. The
‘intelligent and analytical’ Nicolas Lockhart and Todd Friedbacher are also recommended.”
The Legal 500 also recognizes Stuart Harbinson who “has handled several high-profile WTO disputes”.
Legal 500 EMEA 2010 – Switzerland, EU, Competition and WTO
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
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