Chambers Europe Awards 2021 - Winners

Outstanding Achievement: Prof. Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler, Lévy Kaufmann-Kohler 
 
Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler of Lévy Kaufmann-Kohler is revered for her experience as an arbitrator. Based in Switzerland, she holds top rankings in Europe-wide, Latin America-wide and Global. Highly active in investment treaty disputes, she frequently presides over high-profile tribunals around the world. One source describes her as “the queen of arbitration in Switzerland,” while another enthuses that “the decisions she writes are outstanding and to the point; everything is covered.” 
 

Outstanding Achievement: Peter Bogaert, Covington & Burling LLP 
 
Peter Bogaert of Covington & Burling LLP is a mainstay of the life sciences sphere. Ranked as a star for many years, he is deemed to be â€œthe star, absolutely the man in Belgium with respect to life sciences.” He is reputed for his expertise handling matters at both the Belgian and European levels, representing life sciences companies before the European Courts in Luxembourg, as well as advising on regulations concerning COVID-19 vaccinations and treatments. 

Austria 

BINDER GRÖSSWANG Rechtsanwälte GmbH 
CERHA HEMPEL  
CMS 
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP  
Saxinger, Chalupsky & Partners (SCWP Schindhelm)  
Schoenherr 

Winner: Schoenherr 

Maintaining its prime position among the strongest law firms in Austria, Schoenherr boasts a formidable reputation domestically as well as in the CEE region. Schoenherr houses several of the market’s top-rated lawyers and has also seen many of its younger generation lawyers advancing in the ranking throughout the course of the year. The firm ranks among the best in several practice area including Corporate/M&A, Banking & Finance and Restructuring & Insolvency. A highlight from 2020 was advising on the establishment of COFAG, a state-owned funding agency, and structuring its support scheme administrating funding and loans to Austrian businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic to a value of EUR15 billion. One of its clients says of the firm: "They are extremely experienced and reliable, outstandingly connected in the market, deliver high quality and on a personal level they are very pleasant." 

Baltic-wide 

Cobalt 
Ellex 
Sorainen 
TGS Baltic 
Winner: Ellex 
 
Firmly established in all three Baltic countries, Ellex boasts a notable track record in assisting international investors with acquisitions and disposals relating to the Baltic countries. Offices in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania offer broad and in-depth coverage of local legal markets and experience of handling high-complexity matters relating to a range of industry sectors. Recent highlights include advising Veho on the acquisition of Silberauto's car distribution business in the Baltics. 
 

Belgium 

Allen & Overy LLP 
Eubelius 
Linklaters 
Loyens & Loeff 
Stibbe 

Winner: Loyens & Loeff 

Renowned for its strength in Tax law and Energy law matters, Loyens & Loeff has also shown an impressive recent performance in Real Estate, Public Law and Corporate matters to earn promotions in all of those rankings.  One client enthuses that the team is â€œsmart and very pragmatic with lots of expertise in all fields in-house, and the lawyers are extremely commercial and available,” while another enjoyed â€œone of the best encounters I have had with a top-tier law firm.”  The past year also saw Christophe Laurent enter the top tier for Real Estate lawyers, while there were also first-time rankings for Robrecht Coppens, Jan Missoul and Christine Delagaye. 

CEE  

CMS 
Dentons 
Kinstellar 
Schoenherr 
White & Case LLP  
Wolf Theiss 

Winner: CMS 

CMS is a CEE powerhouse advancing in the Real Estate rankings this year in addition to its top ranking in Corporate/M&A, Banking & Finance and Projects & Energy. CMS provides an exceptional physical coverage of the region with office presence in most CEE jurisdictions operating seamlessly together as showcased in its representation of Advent International and its portfolio company Zentiva in their acquisition of Alvogen’s CEE business led by Prague-based Helen Rodwell, who oversaw a team comprising lawyers from 7 different jurisdictions in the region. Clients attest to its excellently coordinated service, with one stating: "CMS is the go-to firm for cross-border work, because of their geographical reach and seamless advice." 

Czech Republic 

Clifford Chance LLP  
CMS 
Dentons  
HAVEL & PARTNERS s.r.o., advokátní kancelář 
White & Case 

Winner: HAVEL & PARTNERS 

HAVEL & PARTNERS advances consistently in the Czech legal market and has in the last year risen in the rankings in Banking & Finance, Dispute Resolution and IP, adding to its already impressive standing, securing Czech law firm of the year for the second year running. The firm offers an unmatched coverage of the Czech and Slovakia region with 5 offices in the Czech Republic, and an additional office in Bratislava. HAVEL & PARTNERS particularly excels in the area of Competition law, with one of its clients stating: "I have never seen such an impactful mix of legal expertise, competition law economics and knowledge of business." 

Denmark 

Bech-Bruun 
Bruun & Hjejle 
Gorrissen Federspiel 
Kromann Reumert 
Plesner 
 
Winner: Kromann Reumert 

With an unrivalled number of top-tier rankings, Kromann Reumert reinforces its reputation as the leading law firm in Denmark. It continues to impress the market with its outstanding expertise in Banking & Finance, Competition/European Law, Corporate/M&A, Dispute Resolution, Employment, Energy, Information Technology, Intellectual Property, Real Estate, Restructuring/Insolvency and Tax. Clients laud Kromann Reumert for its â€œtrusted advice, good legal judgement and commercial sense.” 

 
Finland 

Borenius 
Castrén & Snellman 
Hannes Snellman 
Krogerus 
Roschier 

Winner: Roschier 

Roschier maintains its enviable standing as the pre-eminent Finnish law firm, with more Band 1 rankings than any other firm. It demonstrates market-leading capabilities in Banking & Finance, Capital Markets, Competition/European Law, Corporate/M&A, Dispute Resolution, Employment, Intellectual Property, Tax and TMT. Sources frequently highlight the firm’s â€œvery good ability in cross-border services, particularly within the Nordics,” and one client enthuses: â€œRoschier is the highest-quality law firm in Finland with a full-service offering.” 

France  

Bredin Prat 
Clifford Chance  
Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier 
Latham & Watkins LLP 
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan 
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP 
White & Case  

Winner: Clifford Chance 

Clifford Chance enjoys a stellar reputation in the French legal market, with sources highlighting its expansive offering and acting for an impressive range of blue-chip and international clients. The firm boasts a full-service offering and maintains its top rankings in key areas such as Banking & Finance, Capital Markets, Litigation and Private Equity. The firm is frequently highlighted for its breadth of expertise and excellent client service, with sources applauding Clifford Chance for being â€œultimately focused on achieving the best results for its clients.” Another source appreciates that â€œyou know they will deliver,” adding that â€œit is reassuring to instruct them.” 

Germany 

Clifford Chance LLP 
Hengeler Mueller 
Kirkland & Ellis LLP 
Latham & Watkins 
Linklaters 
Noerr 
White & Case LLP 
 
Winner: Clifford Chance  

Clifford Chance is a leading firm in Germany, advancing in the Corporate/M&A rankings and with top-rated spots in its core practice areas including Banking & Finance, Life Sciences, Projects and Real Estate. Clifford Chance showcased a range of progressive matters combining finance with corporate social responsibility, including its advice to Lanxess on a new ESG-linked revolving credit facility from a consortium of 12 banks, which included criteria concerning reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and an improved gender balance at the top three management levels. The matter was led by Banking & Finance head Bettina Steinhauer. Clients say of Clifford Chance: "The team is very professional, diligent and client-oriented. They are always creative in their efforts to find a solution to tricky situations." 

Greece 

Bernitsas Law 
Karatzas & Partners 
Koutalidis law Firm 
Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm 
Lambadarios law Firm 
POTAMITISVEKRIS 

Winner: POTAMITISVEKRIS 

POTAMITISVEKRIS continues to achieve the most Band 1 rankings in the Greek market, possessing top-tier expertise in Banking & Finance, Competition/European Law, Corporate/Commercial, Employment and Real Estate. The firm is also highly regarded for its proficiency in Dispute Resolution, Energy and Tax. Clients laud: â€œNo other firm in Greece has the level of service and the breadth and depth of POTAMITISVEKRIS.” 

Hungary 

Baker McKenzie 
CMS 
DLA Piper Hungary 
Oppenheim Law Firm 
Szecskay Attorneys at Law 
 
Winner: CMS 

CMS continues to offer outstanding strength in the fields of Banking, Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Real Estate law and TMT law, as well as moving into the top tier for Life Sciences.  A client reports that CMS is â€œthe first choice in Hungary for me,” while another notes that the firm has an â€œabsolutely client-friendly environment and the lawyers are absolutely engaged in order to find the proper solution for the client's problems.”  Dóra Petrányi, Erika Papp, Gábor Czike, Zsolt Okányi and Anikó Kircsi remain leading figures in their respective fields. 

Ireland 

A&L Goodbody 
Arthur Cox 
Mason Hayes & Curran LLP 
Matheson 
McCann Fitzgerald 
William Fry 

Winner: Matheson 

Described by interviewees as â€œa premium firm offering a premium service,” Matheson enjoys more rankings than any other firm in Ireland, featuring in the top band for Banking & Finance, Capital Markets: Debt, Corporate/M&A, Employment: Pensions, Investment Funds/Financial Services, Restructuring/Insolvency, Tax, TMT: Media, TMT: Telecommunications and, most recently, Insurance. It is also highly regarded in key areas such as Competition/European Law, Dispute Resolution, Employment, Energy & Natural Resources and Real Estate, with growing recognition in Banking & Finance: Asset Finance. The firm also boasts an impressive five lawyers ranked as Up-and-Coming. 

Italy  

BonelliErede 
Chiomenti 
Gianni & Origoni 
Legance - Avvocati Associati 

Winner: Gianni & Origoni 

Gianni & Origoni has established itself as a serious player in the legal market. The firm boasts top rankings across an impressive six practice areas, including Corporate/M&A, Private Equity and Restructuring/Insolvency. Clients include the Italian state and privately owned companies as well as international and newly established foreign branches of Asian firms, who increasingly seek Gianni & Origoni’s expertise on complex corporate and transactional issues. Clients highlight its “exceptional market experience, total command of the issues we present to them; the team is a war machine, regarding matters concerning multiple disciplines the firm was able to cross-reference the relevant departments to ensure excellent coverage.” 

Luxembourg 

Allen & Overy Luxembourg 
Arendt & Medernach 
Clifford Chance LLP 
Elvinger Hoss Prussen 
Linklaters 
 
Winner: Arendt & Medernach   

Arendt & Medernach leads the market in a range of practice areas, such as Banking & Finance, Corporate/M&A, Dispute Resolution, Employment, Investment Funds, Real Estate and Tax.  The past year also saw Gilles Dusemon enter the top tier for Investment Funds lawyers.  A client appreciates that the lawyers â€œknow how to explain all these complex matters in a way which is understandable for a client with no experience in these subjects.”  Another interviewee states: â€œMy number-one pick is Arendt & Medernach.” 

Netherlands 

Allen & Overy LLP 
De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek 
Houthoff 
Loyens & Loeff 
NautaDutilh 

 
Winner: De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek 

De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek continues to be a standout presence in Corporate/M&A, Dispute Resolution, Employment law, Transactional and Regulatory Energy law and Investment Funds mandates, as well as offering notable strength in Equity Capital Markets, Banking Regulatory matters and Trade Mark & Copyright Intellectual Property.  Ferdinand Hengst, Arjan Kleinhout and Helen Gornall have all entered the rankings in the past year. One client appreciates that the lawyers â€œaim to provide all-round, integrated advice, seamlessly making available the various disciplines.” Another client believes that it is â€œthe best overall law firm in the Netherlands.” 

Norway 

Advokatfirmaet Schjødt 
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS 
BAHR 
Wiersholm 
Wikborg Rein Advokatfirma AS 

Winner: Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS 

Thommessen is a market-leading powerhouse in the fields of Banking & Finance, Capital Markets: Equity, Competition/Antitrust, Corporate/M&A, Energy: Electricity, Real Estate, Restructuring/Insolvency, Shipping and Tax. The firm is also recognised for its top-tier expertise in the TMT sector, with a recent promotion to Band 1. Thommessen’s increasing strength in the aquaculture and fisheries sector is similarly demonstrated by its progression to Band 2 in this area. One client enthuses that â€œThommessen is the most complete firm in Oslo in terms of having top-notch capacities across the various fields of expertise,” while another similarly lauds Thommessen as â€œone of the largest and broadest firms that can handle most requests and needs.” 

Offshore 

Appleby 
Bedell 
Carey Olsen 
Mourant 
Ogier 
Walkers 

Winner: Mourant  

Mourant is widely seen as one of premier firms on the Channel Islands, a sentiment that is backed up by the sheer number of top tier rankings it has achieved. Mourant is recognised in band one in seven sections across Jersey and Guernsey, covering a diverse range of areas including Corporate & Finance, Employment and Investment Funds. In addition to its leading cadre of lawyers on the two Bailiwicks, Mourant is also highly ranked for the Cayman Law expertise of its team in London. The firm continues to go from strength to strength and is the deserved winners of the 2021 Chambers Europe Award for best Offshore firm. 

Poland 

Clifford Chance 
CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang Pośniak i Bejm sp.k. 
Dentons  
Greenberg Traurig Grzesiak 
Rymarz Zdort 
Wardyński & Partners 

Winner: Clifford Chance LLP 

Clifford Chance remains an eminent international stalwart embedded in the Polish market, consistently providing top-level advice and excellent client service. The firm leads the market in key practices, including M&A and Private Equity, Dispute Resolution, Banking and Debt Capital Markets, Competition, and Restructuring & Insolvency. It is regularly instructed by global companies and regional investors as well as large Polish companies. A recent highlight includes representing AXA in the sale of its life and savings, property and casualty as well as pension businesses in Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to UNIQA Insurance Group for EUR1 billion. "It's a true one-stop shop," a client says, explaining: "The firm has a strong and driven team, combining local Polish experience with international standards." Other interviewees highlight the "good balance of legal advice and commercial understanding." 

Portugal 

Cuatrecasas 
Linklaters 
MLGTS 
PLMJ 
Sérvulo 
Uría Menéndez 
VdA 

Winner: VdA 

Top-ranked across a wealth of practice areas, VdA acts on many of Portugal’s most significant transactions. While enhancing its presence abroad, the firm is continuing to gain an edge on large, cross-border matters as well, attracting an array of new clients. Through an increasing number of experts, the firm has gained an unmissable presence across services in Lusophone and Francophone Africa, a feature sought after and commended by many European clients. Clients say: â€œThey have earned our utmost respect and trust. They are first-class lawyers and a first-class firm.” 

Romania 

CMS 
Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen 
Popovici NiÈ›u Stoica & AsociaÈ›ii 
Schoenherr si Asociatii SCA 
Èšuca Zbârcea & AsociaÈ›ii 

Winner: Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen 

Nestor Nestor remains a leading firm for Banking & Finance, Competition, Projects & Energy, Real Estate and Tax law. One client enthuses that the lawyers â€œhave experience and good knowledge of their area of practice,” while another interviewee feels that the firm is â€œthe best in Romania.”  Alina Radu, Georgeta Dinu, Ruxandra Bologa, Adina Chilim-Dumitriu and Ioana Niculeasa are all leading figures in their respective fields. 

Russia 

ALRUD Law Firm 
Baker McKenzie 
Dentons 
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP 
Herbert Smith Freehills CIS LLP 
Ivanyan and Partners 
White & Case LLC 

Winner: Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP 

An outstanding international firm deep-seated in the Russian market, Freshfields advises on market-leading transactions in a variety of sectors as well as supporting clients in international disputes, financing and capital markets matters. The firm is particularly established in the infrastructure projects sphere and boasts strong recognition in the energy market. Freshfields assists blue-chip Russian companies as well as international investors from Japan, China and the Middle East as well as Western countries, with a recent highlight including assisting Rostelecom with the USD2 billion acquisition of the remaining 55% stake in Tele2 Russia from a consortium of strategic investors led by VTB Group. A client enthuses: “The team works very hard but will always make time to answer any ad hoc questions.” 

Spain 

Allen & Overy 
Clifford Chance LLP 
Cuatrecasas 
Garrigues 
Linklaters 
Pérez-Llorca  
Uría Menéndez 
 
Winner: Allen & Overy 

After an extensive expansion campaign across Spain, Allen & Overy has achieved an impressive reputation and standing in the market in recent years, with its partners increasingly visible in the areas of Restructuring, Private Equity, Dispute Resolution and Corporate/M&A as well as TMT. The firm stands out for both the presence of its senior partners as well as a high calibre of associates, which has drawn praise from the market and clients alike. Clients attest: â€œThey have a very deep knowledge but also a great down-to-earth, pragmatic approach. They are always available and ready to help.” 

Sweden 

Advokatfirman Cederquist KB 
Advokatfirman Vinge KB 
Mannheimer Swartling 
Roschier 
Setterwalls 
 
Winner: Advokatfirman Vinge KB 

Highlighted as â€œone of the most established law firms in Scandinavia” and â€œthe go-to firm in the Nordic region,” Vinge boasts unrivalled prowess in Competition/European Law, Corporate/M&A, Corporate Investigations, Dispute Resolution, Employment, Energy & Natural Resources, Insurance, Intellectual Property, Private Equity, Restructuring & Insolvency and Tax. The firm also gains recognition for its growing strength in public procurement mandates. Sources state: â€œVinge is widely regarded as a leading firm in Sweden and, as such, always delivers a quality service.” Another interviewee reiterates: â€œVinge is one of the best full-service law firms in Scandinavia. It is very experienced in most areas and is good at leveraging on that across the firm – very impressive!” 

Switzerland  

Bär & Karrer Ltd 
Homburger  
Lenz & Staehelin  
Niederer Kraft Frey  
Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd  
Walder Wyss Ltd 

Winner: Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd 

Schellenberg Wittmer is highly sought after for its market-leading experience in Arbitration, White-Collar Crime and Restructuring & Insolvency, consistently providing quality service to an impressive roster of clients. The firm also offers a wealth of experience in other key areas such as Corporate/M&A, Banking & Finance, Capital Markets and Tax. Schellenberg Wittmer attracts extensive praise from clients, who praise its â€œknowledge regarding the respective requests and its ability to deliver ‘hands-on’ advice.” 

Turkey  

Akol Law 
BalcıoÄŸlu Selçuk Ardıyok Keki Attorney Partnership (BASEAK)  
Esin Attorney Partnership, a Member Firm of Baker McKenzie International, a Swiss Verein 
KolcuoÄŸlu Demirkan Koçaklı Attorneys at Law 
Paksoy 

Winner: Esin Attorney Partnership 

Esin Attorney Partnership is recognised as one of the leading firms in the Turkish legal market. The firm boasts top rankings in Corporate/M&A and Dispute Resolution, in addition to its presence in Banking & Finance, Competition and Real Estate. Esin Attorney Partnership demonstrates prowess in handling international and domestic mandates, with clients frequently hailing its â€œtop-notch service.” Interviewees also remark: â€œEsin is a highly capable one-stop shop, full-service law firm with excellent responsiveness, outstanding problem-solving skills and a proactive and in general very positive approach.” 

Ukraine 

Aequo 
Arzinger  
Asters 
Avellum 
Baker McKenzie 
Integrites 
Sayenko Kharenko 

Winner: Sayenko Kharenko 

Sayenko Kharenko is a highly established domestic firm with leading practices in Banking & Finance, Competition and Restructuring/Insolvency. It is notable for its activity in key M&A transactions in Ukraine in addition to supporting clients in international disputes and WCC investigations. The team recently assisted Bunge, Cargill, Glencore Agriculture, LDC and ADM with obtaining Ukrainian clearance for the formation of a joint venture aiming to modernise global agriculture commodity trade operations. "I enjoy their speed of reaction: they always follow the case, they're always in the loop. If they come to problems, they come up with a solution quickly," a client says, adding: "They want to present the best results for both parties. They act reasonably." 

UK 

Allen & Overy  
Clifford Chance 
Freshfields 
Linklaters  
Mills & Reeve 
Mishcon de Reya 
Simmons & Simmons 

Winner: Mischon de Reya 

Mishcon de Reya boasts an outstanding reputation among clients, with one source highlighting that the lawyers "fight to the ends of the earth for their clients ." The firm also enjoys an impressive 27 team rankings in the UK guide, holding market-leading positions in Art and Cultural Property Law, Corporate M&A: Lower Mid-Market, Employment: Senior Executive and Financial Services: Contentious Regulatory (Individuals). The top-ranked Fraud: Civil team wins plaudits for being "a phenomenal fraud team which is innovative when representing claimants and determined on behalf of defendants," while the Financial Crime: Individuals team also advances in the rankings. 
 

Europe-wide 

Allen & Overy 
Clifford Chance 
Herbert Smith Freehills 
Kirkland & Ellis 

Winner: Clifford Chance LLP  
 
Clifford Chance LLP is described by a client as â€œworld class in all of its practices and offering a high standard across its international network.” The firm has an impressive seven Band 1 rankings across Europe-wide, including Corporate/M&A, Banking & Finance, Real Estate and Projects & Energy. Across wider rankings, the firm has had an outstanding year, making key strides in Germany, France and Poland, and top rankings in a range of practice areas across thirteen different jurisdictions. Clifford Chance is further revered for its â€œsuccessful combination of regulatory experts and transactional lawyers.” 

Outstanding firm for D&I 
 
Clifford Chance LLP (Poland)  
Duncan Lewis Solicitors Ltd   
Esin Attorney Partnership  
Hogan Lovells LLP  
Loyens & Loeff N.V.  
Kingsley Napley LLP  
Plesner Advokatpartnerselskab  
Poul Schmith/Kammeradvokaten  
Reed Smith LLP  
Stibbe 

Highly Commended: Stibbe 

The firm is committed to furthering the advancement of D&I in the workplace with a focus on gender diversity and ethnic diversity in recent years. The firm has introduced highly impactful activities such as the Women in Law and Leadership programme to support its diverse communities. 

Winner: Duncan Lewis Solicitors Ltd 

D&I is at the heart of the firm’s DNA. 70% of its workforce female and 60% of its workforce from ethnic minority backgrounds. In terms of leadership at the firm, including managerial and director level, 61% are from ethnic minorities and 52% are female. Duncan Lewis Solicitors Ltd is extensively committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting diverse talent whilst also ensuring it continues to serve diverse communities and clients at the highest standard of excellence. 

Outstanding Firm for Pro Bono 

A&L Goodbody  
Dentons  
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP  
Flichy Grangé Avocats  
Havel & Partners  
Hogan Lovells LLP  
Paksoy  
Raue  
Uría Menéndez   
White & Case LLP 

Highly Commended: White & Case LLP 

The firm took a very active role in helping communities affected by COVID-19. A key highlight of the firm’s pro bono work in 2020 include joining the Norrsken Foundation’s Action Against Corona initiative via the firm’s Stockholm office, which supports startups that are developing solutions for those affected by the global coronavirus pandemic. 

Winner: A&L Goodbody 

The firm continued to work on important pro bono matters in 2020 and were the first firm to sign up to the new Pro Bono Pledge Ireland by Minister for Law Reform, James Brown – a new initiative which asks the legal profession to commit to promoting access to justice by providing free legal advice to those in need. The Pledge provides a common definition of pro bono legal work, a commitment to a minimum aspirational target of 20 pro bono hours per lawyer per year and a mechanism to benchmark through annual reporting of anonymous pro bono data. The firm has also introduced a new trainee rotation in pro bono. 

Future Leader: D&I 

Cherie Samuels , CMS (UK)  
Christian Crohn , White & Case LLP (Germany)  
Eraldo d’Atri , Clifford Chance LLP (UK)  
Nimmisha Aslam , Russell-Cooke (UK)  
Dr Paulina Kimla-Kaczorowska , Greenberg Traurig, LLP (Poland)  
Vaibhav Adlakha , Reed Smith LLP (UK)  
Whitney Joseph , Mayer Brown LLP (UK) 

Highly Commended: Nimmisha Aslam 
 
Personal injury and clinical negligence associate Nimmisha Aslam is a ground-breaking future leader who advocates for an intersectional approach to D&I. She has been a member of The Law Society’s LGBT+ Division and spoke about faith, religion and being a member of the LGBT+ community at a Chambers and Partners LGBT+ History Month event. Nimmisha is an exemplary role model who widely speaks on ethnic diversity and LGBT+ issues in law. 

Winner: Vaibhav Adlakha 
 
Vaibhav is a D&I trailblazer who has achieved a global platform in terms of visibility for his D&I work. Vaibhav is an inspiring role model for lawyers with disabilities and ethnic minority lawyers. His passion and determination to succeed in the corporate world continues to inspire many others to enter the profession. He is an active member of Reed Smith LEADRS Group which champions disability and diversity projects. He has also contributed his D&I advocacy to support organisations such as Channel 4 and EmployAbility. 

Outstanding Contribution Award: Diversity & Inclusion Private Practice 

Jacquelyn MacLennan, White & Case LLP  
Joydeep Sengupta, Mayer Brown LLP  
Machteld de Monchy, De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek N.V.  
Segun Osuntokun, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP  
Shannett Thompson, Kingsley Napley LLP 

Highly Commended: Joydeep Sengupta 
 
Joydeep Sengupta is one of the most passionate and driven advocates for D&I in Europe. From supporting the LGBT+ community, gender diversity and race and ethnicity, Joydeep ensures he is not only helping the next generation of lawyers but also working closely with corporate clients to drive change in the wider legal profession. Joydeep’s knowledge and acumen in D&I is unparalleled and he continues to make an important mark in the French legal profession with his work. 

Winner: Shannett Thompson 

Partner Shannett Thompson has been a D&I champion for many years in the UK legal profession using every opportunity to share her unique journey, insights and experience with others in the profession. From social mobility to gender to race and ethnicity, Shannett is a true advocate for equality and opportunities for all. She is an active mentor who is proactively changing the face of the legal profession through her tremendous drive and commitment to D&I. 

Outstanding Network/ Group 

Black Barristers' Network   
General Counsel for Diversity & Inclusion   
In House Pro Bono Group  
Legal Diversity & Inclusion Alliance  
OCAAT – One Case At A Time 
 
Highly Commended: In House Pro Bono Group 

One of the first of its kind in Europe, the In House Pro Bono Group share a collective belief that the provision of pro bono work is a professional responsibility for all lawyers and aims to foster a culture of commitment to pro bono for in-house lawyers. Since its inception, the group has held numerous free training and educational events for its members and is involved in a number of high impact pro bono matters from climate change work to supporting diverse communities. 

Winner: Black Barristers' Network 

The Black Barristers’ Network (BBN) was founded in 2019 by Natasha Shotunde & Mavis Amonoo-Acquah to provide support and increase the visibility of Black Barristers within and outside of the profession. Since 2019, BBN has published its report of the outcome of its survey of Black Barristers at the self-employed Bar, conducted between July and August 2020. BBN has also continued to provide a number of in-depth and high impact events for the next generation of Black barristers. 

Outstanding Contribution: Diversity & Inclusion In House 

Anna Suchopar , ASOS  
Avnee Thakrar, 3M Transport & Electronics Business  
Donny Ching, Royal Dutch Shell  
Oliver Gayle, Barclays  
Philip Aiken, Barclays  
Sharon Blackman, Citi  
Ritva Sotamaa, Unilever  
Rupa Patel, Awaze  
Simon Zinger, Dentsu Aegis Network  
Valérie Saintot, European Central Bank 

Highly Commended: Simon Zinger 

Simon Zinger is General Counsel at Entain and whilst in his former role at Dentsu Aegis International, Simon created the General Counsel Oath to promote a commitment to a set of personal and professional behaviours. The oath asks general counsel to make a commitment across the following categories: professional responsibility and ethics, leadership, diversity and inclusion, social impact and pro bono, working with internal clients, working with external parties, and personal behaviour. Simon is also a committed and active supporter of pro bono and social justice initiatives. 

Winner: Donny Ching  

Donny Ching is Legal Director of Royal Dutch Shell plc and a D&I trailblazer. He is a founding member of General Counsel for Diversity & Inclusion and helped create the group’s framework for law firms to improve their approach to D&I. He is an active speaker and collaborator in the legal D&I space and was also one of the first GCs to sign an open letter to law firms in Europe, urging them to improve their D&I.