Since opening in 1989, the London office – the firm’s second-largest – has developed remarkable talent and experience in Debevoise’s core practice areas, including private equity, insurance, international disputes and investigations, financial institutions, M&A, finance, capital markets and tax. Market wise and expert in English and European law, the London office is an integral part of a closely coordinated global practice that includes colleagues in Europe, the U.S. and Asia.

In the corporate and transactional arena, where English and New York law have come to occupy leading positions in much of the world, the London office boasts deep experience in both. Some 30% of Debevoise’s London lawyers hold U.S. qualifications, and more than 75% are English law-qualified. Further, 10% of the firm’s London lawyers are dual-qualified in both England and the U.S.

The office’s leading Disputes Resolution practice similarly spans legal regimes, as well as international borders, languages, industries and court systems. Led by a team of seven partners, the practice’s advocacy-led approach makes it distinct in the market, with capabilities ranging from international commercial arbitration, domestic and international commercial litigation and public international law, to white collar crime and investigations. Debevoise’s London talent and resources in these areas are described by Chambers UK as “stellar” and “distinguished.” The practice is chaired by former UK Attorney General Lord Goldsmith KC, who has been described by the major legal directories as “one of the great doyens of the English bar.”

Debevoise’s London transactional group has advised on some of the largest public listings, globally significant M&A transactions, and innovative acquisition financings and strategies for corporate clients, and has a market-leading fund formation practice supporting its expanding fund sponsor client base. According to Legal 500 UK, “the transactional team at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP are ‘responsive, thorough and precise.’”

In close collaboration with the firm’s other offices, London office lawyers build and coordinate specialized teams to advise on local and international matters in the UK and throughout Europe, as well as across emerging market territories, including India, the Middle East, Africa, Russia/CIS and Latin America.

To mark the 30th anniversary of the opening of our London office, Debevoise published “Debevoise in London, 30 Years of Landmarks,” which details the defining events and trends in the London team’s key practice areas and industries. Download the publication here.