PRAISE FOR SIDLEY S INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION PRACTICE U.S.NEWS - BEST LAWYERS BEST LAW FIRMS For the third consecutive year, and each year since the survey s inception, Sidley received a first-tier national U.S. ranking and a first-tier regional ranking in Washington, D.C. for its international arbitration practice, and the most first-tier national rankings of any U.S. law firm overall, in the U.S.News Best Lawyers Best Law Firms survey published by U.S.News & World Report. U.S.News Best Lawyers Best Law Firms Survey 2013 According to one client: Sidley has one of the most versatile and experienced international arbitration teams. They are truly preeminent in the area of investor-state arbitration under bilateral investment treaties. We rely on Sidley for assistance in structuring transactions covered by these agreements and in resolving disputes under them. They consistently deliver extraordinarily high value and positive results. U.S.News Best Lawyers Best Law Firms Survey 2011 Stanimir Alexandrov is recognized in both the International Arbitration Commercial and International Arbitration Governmental sections in the 2013 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. He is praised by clients as follows: We have received outstanding advice on one of the longest procedures ever in front of ICSID. I would highly recommend him. Mr. Stanimir Alexandrov is the leading expert with regard to international arbitration cases. He is very professional, very knowledgeable, understands the key issues very rapidly, is patient, and overall a very pleasant person to work with. I also recognize the entire team working with [him]. [He] is highly experienced, frank, and open. He is easy to communicate with and is timely in responding. I have a good and sincere relationship with him. Stanimir is very practical and possesses an excellent understanding of global issues. He understands how different governments and government officials think and react; and represents clients aggressively yet civilly. His advice has always been spot on. Marinn Carlson and James Mendenhall are also recognized in these two sections. The Best Lawyers in America 2013 CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS GLOBAL This firm has traditionally earned recognition for its strength in investor-state arbitration, and has diversified to excel in commercial disputes as well. It is home to a team of over 50 dedicated arbitration specialists spread across its offices in Washington, D.C., London, Geneva, Singapore and Hong Kong.... Sources say: Their legal analysis is sound, they know everybody in the field, have strong expertise and are creative in their arguments. They leave no stone unturned, and we get top quality work. Stanimir Alexandrov co-heads the firm s international arbitration practice with SIDLEY AUSTIN LLP 1
Marc Palay. He is extremely well regarded for both commercial and investment treaty arbitrations and is increasingly sought after as an arbitrator for international disputes. Chambers Global 2013 Global, Arbitration (International) This well-respected international firm is home to a team of dedicated and esteemed lawyers with extensive experience of international treaty arbitration. Stanimir Alexandrov co-chairs [Sidley] s international arbitration practice from Washington, D.C. He is well respected for his contributions to the field of [public international law, or] PIL, and represents private parties and governments in a wide range of international disputes. Chambers Global 2013 Global, Public International Law The experienced Stanimir Alexandrov is regarded as a valuable asset to the practice. Sources note his strength in investor-state arbitration and describe him as an extremely capable lawyer, understated yet forceful. Chambers Global 2012 Global, Public International Law LATIN AMERICA This practice has expanded its Latin American footprint in recent years and now has a number of sovereign mandates. Sources [comment]: Experienced, well-trained staff with exceptional Spanish language skills and a comprehensive knowledge of investment disputes law. Stanimir Alexandrov is hailed by sources as an extremely intelligent, analytical lawyer and an excellent strategist. He also wins praise from clients for his Spanish language skills. Chambers Global 2013 - Latin America-wide, International Arbitration This firm is a key player in investor-state arbitration, and has built up a strong practice in such work in Latin America. The team has been involved in a raft of ICSID cases, which has contributed to the development of the practice. Sources say: The team provides a great range of strategic services in this field; it offers the whole package. The firm has vast experience in investment arbitration. Stanimir Alexandrov is highly regarded for his work in the emerging markets and is an incredible resource, according to clients. Chambers Global 2011 - Latin America-wide, International Arbitration ASIA Sources say Charles Allen is very well schooled in the goings-on of arbitration in Asia. Peers respect him as a veteran practitioner, a careful individual who knows his stuff. His arbitration practice is driven by a solid commercial disputes component. Allen Kim wins plaudits for his high-quality practice. One client remarked: He is calm and has a clear mind, which makes you feel SIDLEY AUSTIN LLP 2
at ease. He can develop an effective strategy, anticipating things right from the beginning, and at the same time thinks on his feet. He specializes in complex joint venture and M&A disputes, as well as technology transfer matters[, and] continues to have a strong South Korea focus. Chambers Global 2013 China Dispute Resolution: Arbitration USA The heart of Sidley Austin s U.S.-based international arbitration practice rests in Washington, D.C., but it draws strength from an impressive network of offices across the globe. Sources say: They are experts in the field. They understand the process, the issues, the players and how to win. Stanimir Alexandrov has an excellent reputation for his impressive investment treaty expertise. He represents both investors and states, and also handles complex commercial arbitrations. He is recognized as having tremendous experience and unique insights specific to international arbitration that have proven invaluable. Chambers USA 2013 Nationwide, International Arbitration Sidley Austin remains a distinguished player in the international arbitration arena, and offers focused strength in its U.S., European and Asian offices. The group plays a central role acting as counsel and arbitrator in a wide range of arbitrations, whilst being particularly commended for its highly acclaimed investment treaty expertise. It can draw on extensive experience representing both investors and states, while also offering a strong command of commercial arbitrations. Stanimir Alexandrov is considered to be extremely talented as both arbitrator and advocate and is characterized as first-rate mind and individual who is absolutely committed to the practice. He co-chairs the firm s international arbitration practice, and is highly regarded as an expert in investment treaty cases while also bringing experience in commercial arbitration. Chambers USA 2012 Nationwide, International Arbitration EUROPE Sources recommend David Roney as arbitration counsel: He s straight to the point in discussions and always follows up quickly. His skill in cross-examination is also singled out for praise. Interviewees say Marc Palay doesn't miss any tricks thanks to his rigorous approach: He gets into all the technical aspects of an industry so that he really understands the mindset, then deals with the claim. Clients also note his ability to drive the team and his no-nonsense style. He co-heads the firm s international arbitration practice. Chambers Global 2013 - Switzerland, Dispute Resolution Sources say [the team] looks at the big picture, without missing the minutiae. Fantastic insurance litigator Dorothy Cory-Wright is bright, hard-working and pragmatic. Chambers UK 2010 - Restructuring/Insolvency: Insurance Insolvency: London SIDLEY AUSTIN LLP 3
THE LEGAL 500 Sidley Austin LLP s responsive and flexible lawyers are fast in providing answers to questions or requests, and are not afraid of hard work. The team has an extensive practice including high-level international arbitration matters. Meticulous team head Marc Palay has an intensive approach, and great knowledge of the industry, and clients feel they could not be in better hands. David Roney is a truly excellent lawyer. The Legal 500 Switzerland 2012, Dispute Resolution With top-level industry knowledge and excellent service, Sidley Austin LLP has extensive capabilities of both investor-state and international commercial arbitration at an array of arbitral institutions. Coupling his deep knowledge and experience in the area of bilateral investment treaty litigation with his particular understanding of state-owned organizations in developing countries, the prompt and efficient Stanimir Alexandrov acts as if the clients concerns were his own. Also an experienced arbitrator, he is supported by a capable team that includes the noteworthy Jennifer Haworth McCandless and Marinn Carlson, both of whom demonstrate in depth knowledge of the subject law. With a further two arbitration-dedicated partners (plus one counsel) in the Washington, D.C. office, along with international commercial arbitration team members in the Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Palo Alto, the team has sufficient depth to ensure timely continuity in the handling of matters. It s a very good outfit with very good lawyers they are brilliant comment clients. The Legal 500 United States 2013, Litigation International Arbitration Sidley Austin LLP is considered one of the best, with proven expertise in investor-state work. With a strong reputation in international trade matters, the firm represents both multinational companies and governments in all major arbitral institutions, with added experience in ad hoc proceedings under UNCITRAL and ICSID Addition Facility rules. The team is praised for its excellent service, Stanimir Alexandrov is superb : an outstanding speaker and a superb strategist. Jennifer Haworth McCandless and Marinn Carlson are also recommended. The Legal 500 United States 2012, Litigation International Arbitration With a 50-strong international arbitration practice spread across a dozen offices, Sidley Austin LLP demonstrates great experience in the sector. Client appreciate that the team designs strategy with anticipation so as to leave time to search out the documents and witnesses required. Co-head of the firm s international arbitration (Commercial & Treaty) practice Stanimir Alexandrov is an excellent lawyer who has considerable arbitration experience. With a global vision of issues, he highlights the key points of a problem and the best ways to face it.... Also Washington, D.C.-based Jennifer Haworth McCandless is a diligent attorney who looks to cover all SIDLEY AUSTIN LLP 4
the aspects of a problem and asks the appropriate critical questions to do so. Marinn Carlson is also noted for her increased engagement in the region, particularly with regard to trade-related disputes and WTO issues. The Legal 500 2012 Latin America International Arbitration 2012 Sidley Austin LLP has seen a gradual increase in the volume of disputes it handles, enjoying its share of credit crunch insurance disputes, contested U.S. catastrophe claims, and Bermudan work. Steven Pitt has been promoted to partner. The Legal 500 UK 2010 London, Insurance, Insurance and reinsurance litigation For Sidley Austin, arbitration is a key pillar of the dispute resolution practice. Allen Kim is [a] recognized arbitration specialist, particularly in disputes involving Korean parties, while Charles Allen is also a regular in arbitral proceedings. The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2012, Hong Kong Dispute Resolution - International Arbitration GLOBAL ARBITRATION REVIEW Global Arbitration Review has once again included Sidley in its GAR 100, the publisher s selection of the leading international arbitration practices. The following partners received special mention: Stanimir Alexandrov and Marc Palay, the group s global coordinators, as well as David Roney and Dorothy-Cory Wright. One client, for whom Sidley Austin obtained a multimillion-dollar award, says their experience with the firm was extremely positive.... The single most significant factor in their representation of us was their capacity to understand the complexities and technicalities of our business and the case.... Marc Palay took the time to understand our business and the context of the claims, and didn t take any short cuts. He kept an open mind and didn t jump to conclusions. He was frank about the claim s strengths and weaknesses. When significant changes occurred to the political and regulatory environment during the course of the arbitration, he was able to take these into account and adjust accordingly. An in-house counsel used a team led by Marc Palay for an important set of cases and was suitably impressed. They are organised, efficient, tightly coordinated, highly responsive and good value for money. A government lawyer who used the firm for a treaty claim that could have entailed damages stretching to nine figures, says: Sidley impressed me with their professionalism and organisation. The lawyers had done their homework thoroughly and were frank in pointing out the parts of our case that might be weak. They left no page unturned however remote the relevance might be and their strategy and presentation was clear. With stakes that high, we naturally wanted to have the best. Global Arbitration Review 100 (6 th edition, 2013) SIDLEY AUSTIN LLP 5
BENCHMARK LITIGATION With its expansive global footprint, Sidley Austin has become adept at handling international disputes for corporations and governments relating to international trade agreements and investment treaties. Stanimir Alexandrov co-chairs the firm s international arbitration group and specializes in investor state arbitrations and resolving trade disputes before bodies such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). One satisfied client applauds the expertise of the overall international disputes group. If you re looking for a group to work up a case and do document work, they can do that, but their real value is they have very seasoned lawyers who have spent significant time over at the WTO, says the client. They come from the walks of life that make their input very valuable. They know all the people in the international trade level. They see it from all angles. You get a top-heavy group in terms of the experience, which is what I need for this type of litigation. Benchmark Litigation 2010 National The firm excels in virtually all areas of litigation including bankruptcy, international arbitration, and securities. I think Sidley brings the wisdom, experience and political savvy that comes in handy in international trade cases, says a client. Marinn Carlson and Stanimir Alexandrov have a strong international arbitration practice. Alexandrov co-chairs the firm s international arbitration practice and, a peer notes, has an absolutely first-rate mind. Benchmark Litigation 2010 - District of Columbia SIDLEY RECEIVES GOLD AWARD FOR INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION Sidley received the Gold Award 2010 for best U.S. law firm for international arbitration from the International Legal Alliance. Winners of the International Legal Alliance Awards are selected by a panel of senior legal executives from major global companies and recognize law firms for outstanding results during the past year and consistent excellence in the areas of practice management and leadership. The International Legal Alliance Summit & Awards 2010 SIDLEY AUSTIN LLP 6