Media Mentions
2011
“Asia’s Allure Deepens”
The Wall Street Journal, December 19, 2011
Jeffrey Stone noted that “Western companies simply need a lot of help navigating China,” a fact that McDermott has recognized in its strategic alliance with MWE China Law Offices, which has China-trained lawyers based in Shanghai.
Jeffrey E. Stone, International, White-Collar & Securities Defense
“Pentagon Must ‘Buy American,’ Barring Chinese Solar Panels”
New York Times, January 9, 2011
Carolyn Gleason said that Congress had the right to require that the Defense Department buy solar panels only from countries that, unlike China, have signed a World Trade Organization procurement protocol. “The W.T.O. Government Procurement Agreement allows signatory countries, including the United States in its Defense Department contracts, to favor goods from countries that have signed that agreement over countries that have not,” she asserted. The article described Ms. Gleason as “one of the best-known litigators of W.T.O. cases.”
Carolyn B. Gleason, International, International Trade, International Trade Experience
“International Trade Policy to Watch in 2011”
Law360, January 1, 2011
Carolyn Gleason said there was an emerging consensus that at least some pending trade agreements could move through Congress in 2011. She cited in particular the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade bloc, calling it “dynamic and worth watching in 2011.” Ms. Gleason added, “The U.S. has lagged behind Europe in free trade agreements. A TPP agreement that covers several countries with important economies could help the United States catch up.”
Carolyn B. Gleason, International, International Trade, International Trade Experience
“International Trade Policy to Watch in 2011”
Law360, January 1, 2011
David Levine cited a draft rule proposed by the Obama Administration to identify licensing policies that will cover products subject to export controls as a positive trade development for 2011. Mr. Levine said that he is “encouraged by proposals to date, and hopeful that the administration will move ahead as promised with further reforms in a straightforward, objective manner.”
David J. Levine, International, International Trade, International Trade Experience
“International Trade Cases to Watch in 2011”
Law360, January 1, 2011
Carolyn Gleason noted that “a majority of the 181 House members and 31 senators who have written to the administration” in support of a United Steelworkers WTO petition alleging that China engaged in unfair trade practices by subsidizing its green energy industries “will still be serving in the 112th Congress, and will still be looking for results.” Ms. Gleason added that the sweeping claims made in the petition make the case one to follow in 2011.
Carolyn B. Gleason, International, International Trade, International Trade Experience
2010
"Africa's Value is on the Rise"
CNN International, December 3, 2010
Obiamaka Madubuko, who advises U.S. companies on foreign investment activity, cited opportunities with countries like South Africa and Nigeria in calling Africa "an exciting business environment but a challenging one." The challenge comes from the risk of corruption present in any emerging market, and Ms. Madubuko urged companies "to go in with your eyes open, making sure that you have knowledgeable people on your staff who can advise you on corruption risks" that are illegal for American companies under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. She noted that she tells business clients, "You should have your own compliance plan ... to tell all your employees you have to abide by these rules." Click here to view the full segment.
Obiamaka P. Madubuko, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and International Anticorruption, International, Trial, White-Collar & Securities Defense
David Levine commented for the Financial Times (August 17) about the Dodd Frank financial reform law’s provision that companies must identify their use of any “conflict minerals” that can be traced back to the Democratic Republic of the Congo or adjoining companies. Noting current sanctions against the use of “blood diamonds” from that region, Mr. Levine stated that “many are watching to see if this [Dodd-Frank] provision would be the precursor for blood-diamond style penalties for companies that use conflict minerals.”
David J. Levine, International, International Trade
Andrea Kramer was included in a May 10 Petroleum Review summary of presentations made during the 2010 International Petroleum Week conference. Ms. Kramer spoke to the conference regarding international contract dispute resolution strategies. She stated that such disputes can hinge on the differences between civil and common law systems, although one contract type is not inherently better, fairer or more predictable than another. Rather, Ms. Kramer said, contract terms, administration and regulation tend to differentiate contract effectiveness – particularly when business needs change daily, but contract terms change only with amendments.
Andrea S. Kramer, International, International Arbitration
Thomas Sauermilch was quoted in a January 14 Law360 story about the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), a government agency that reviews proposed foreign purchases of U.S. businesses. Mr. Sauermilch stated that he expected CFIUS to take on a more important role under increased political pressure to investigated foreign investments in potentially sensitive U.S. interests. “The U.S. has always been open to foreign investment and it continues to be one of the most open economies, but national security is paramount,” he added.
Thomas Sauermilch, Corporate, International
2008
Philip Torbøl was quoted in a February 26 article published by the Danish newspaper Børsen in relation to the differences between acting before the Danish authorities and the European Commission. He explained that to be successful in cases before the European Commission you have to build up and utilize your network, understand cultural nuances and be very persistent. A spokesman for McDermott's client Dansk Kollektiv Trafik was also quoted as saying that they would not have progressed as far in their case if they had used a law firm in Copenhagen, and that "it is my experience that it is necessary to have somebody who is there [in Brussels] and who knows the system."
2007
Jay T. Taylor was quoted in an October 22 article published by Food Chemical News regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the food safety and quality standards that have been imposed on suppliers by multinational processors and retailers. As a speaker at the World Food Day symposium in Washington, D.C., Mr. Taylor questioned how private standards should be addressed under the World Trade Organization (WTO). "Government needs private standards and controls, but how do they interact with the WTO? When is a private standard truly private? If it's incorporated into a government standard, it would be subject to SPS disciplines. Are governments required to make sure that private standards comport with international norms? Most lawyers say no," Mr. Taylor said.
, Food & Beverage, International
Philip Torbøl was quoted in the 2 April edition of the Danish business newspaper, Børsen, in relation to an anticipated anti-dumping complaint into Chinese screws that was withdrawn at the last minute. The article mentions that, like furniture producers, EU screw producers were not able to convince the European Commission to open an investigation. Mr. Torbøl explains that current good results for EU industry make it difficult to demonstrate injury as a consequence of the alleged dumping. In addition, he observes that the Commission seems more critical now towards complaints due to increasing EU interests on the side of the importers, as could be observed in the recent shoe and textile cases.
, Brussels, International, International Trade - Brussels
McDermott was mentioned in the April 2007 issue of Juve Rechtsmarkt regarding the strategic alliance with MWE Law Offices in Shanghai, China.
McDermott Will & Emery was featured in "A U.S. Law Firm Takes a New Route Into China," published in the January 30 issue of The Wall Street Journal. The article reported McDermott's exclusive strategic alliance with MWE China Law Offices.
2006
Fred Chilton, Peter Faber, Jerry Kaplan, Peter Nias, Arndt Raupach, James Riedy, Art Rosen and Lowell Yoder were recommended in the Cross-border Tax on Corporate Transactions: PLC Which Lawyer Handbook published by Practical Law Company. McDermott was highly recommended.
Frederick Chilton, Peter L. Faber, Jared Kaplan, Peter M.W. Nias, Arndt Raupach, James A. Riedy PC, Arthur R. Rosen, Lowell D. Yoder, Germany, International, International Tax, London, Tax, Tax - Germany, Tax - London
2005
Alexander Hirsch was quoted in the June 15 issue of Handelsblatt in an article on cross-border issues, the different jurisdictions that can be involved and the subsequent business implications.
, Corporate - Germany, Germany, International
McDermott Will & Emery's Tax Practice was ranked fifth out of 100 in terms of size with our tax lawyers representing 19% of the total number of lawyers in the firm. Published by Tax Business in its January/February 2005 issue, the survey also ranks our tax practice among the top five in firms who are "putting tax first," and in the top 10 as "expertise in tax."
Employee Benefits, International, Private Client, Tax
2004
An executive profile on Harvey Freishtat, "Globe Trotter," appeared in the January 16 issue of the Boston Business Journal. The profile discussed Harvey's agenda as the new Chairman identifying that completing the firm's network in Europe is a high priority. "We certainly think (Brussels and Paris) are important to completing the footprint," he commented. "I think this firm has the ability and the vision to execute on a global platform. It's what many clients need, and not just big clients." The profile also included background on Harvey's personal history, as well as the founding together with others of the Boston office and its health law practice.
Harvey W. Freishtat, International
Massimo Trentino was recommended for capital markets in the 2004 edition of Global Counsel 3000, a European-based directory which ranks law firms and lawyers in 70 jurisdictions.
Massimo Trentino, International
2003
MWE received a superb ranking in Euromoney’s Guide to the World's Leading Technology, Media & Telecommunications Lawyers 2003, a practice area guide designed primarily for individuals who require access to preeminent practitioners in specific areas of law for the purpose of instruction on an international basis. In its in-depth study of experts, Euromoney identified 525 of the world's leading business lawyers in specific areas of law from over 33 jurisdictions worldwide. MWE’s Italian, German and U.S. offices are mentioned in the areas of media and telecommunications including Ralf Weisser listed as one of the best 15 media experts in Germany.
Ralf Weisser, Germany, International, Telecom, Media & Technology, Telecommunications
McDermott Will & Emery was mentioned as counsel for Schmalbach in its acquisition by Amcor Ltd. as published in the January 29 issue of The National Post.
Germany, International, Mergers & Acquisitions
McDermott Will & Emery was mentioned in the January 29 issue of the National Post's Financial Post & FP Investing as counsel for Schmalbach-Lubeca AG in its acquisition by Australian-based Amcor Ltd.
Germany, International, Mergers & Acquisitions
2002
McDermott Will & Emery's Munich office was mentioned in the December 2 issue of The Lawyer in a feature article regarding the German market.
McDermott Will & Emery was mentioned in the December 1 issue of Global Counsel among other international, leading firms entering the Munich legal market.
McDermott Will & Emery was mentioned in WZ (Westdeutsche Zeitung: Westgerman News, a large local newspaper in Germany) in mid-November regarding the Firm's decision to embark on the legal market in Düsseldorf. Larry Gerber, Firm Chairman, commented on the opening of the Düsseldorf office. He mentioned that the Firm's confidence in the economic strength of Düsseldorf was a key component in the Firm's decision to open a second office in Germany.
McDermott Will & Emery was mentioned in the November 1 issue of European Legal Business as one of several firms who have announced new European office openings in 2002.
McDermott Will & Emery was mentioned in the October 3 issue of Legal Week in regard to the Firm's continued growth and expansion in London.
McDermott Will & Emery's Düsseldorf office opening was featured in the October issue of JUSTUF and Z.f.R.
Larry Gerber was quoted in the October issue of Legal Business in regard to the Firm's expansion in Germany.
Larry Gerber was quoted in the September 6 issue of Global Competition in an article featuring the opening of the Firm's Düsseldorf office.
McDermott Will & Emery's newest office in Düsseldorf, Germany, was featured in the September issue of Juve. The article reported on the Firm's growth in Germany over the past year and included information on the Düsseldorf office's founding partners.
McDermott Will & Emery's Düsseldorf office opening was reported by European Legal Business on September 1. The article addressed the merging of Andersen Luther and Ernst & Young resulting in high profile departures, including that of Konstantin Günther, Thomas Hauss, Alexander Hirsch and Volker Teigelkötter, who joined McDermott as founding partners of its Düsseldorf office.
Konstantin Günther, Thomas Hauss, Volker Teigelkötter, Germany, International
The Düsseldorf office and its founding partners were mentioned in the September 1 issue of Legal Week Global.
McDermott Will & Emery's involvement in the Schmalbach takeover was featured in the June 10 issue of The Lawyer. Marvin Artis, Ralf Eckert, David Hardy, Steven Hull, Diane Morgenthaler, Daniel Rabinowitz and Ellen Tenenbaum were mentioned as the Firm’s legal team.
International, Mergers & Acquisitions
McDermott Will & Emery’s involvement in Schmalbach-Lubeca’s sale of its two divisions to Amcor, an Australian packaging company was mentioned in the May 30 issue of Legal Week.
International, Mergers & Acquisitions
McDermott Will & Emery's Munich office was the topic of a feature story, which ran in the January 28 issue of the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.
2001
McDermott Will & Emery is mentioned in the December issue of Legal Business regarding the unprecedented pace in which U.S. firms have moved into various German cities.
McDermott Will & Emery was mentioned in the November 13 issue of the Law Gazette for having advised the European Investment Bank on the project financing of the HSL-Zuid high speed rail.
Finance & Banking, International, London
McDermott Will & Emery’s recruitment of five partners from Beiten Burkhardt, to open a dozen-lawyer Munich office was covered in the November issue of the Commercial Lawyer.
The opening of McDermott Will & Emery's Munich office was covered on both sides of the Atlantic the week of October 29. Following the announcement, media outlets in London, Germany and the United States covered the Firm's newest office. Legal Week and The Lawyer in London and The Daily Deal in the U.S. reported on the Firm's expansion into Germany. Juve, a German-based legal publication, reported the Firm's continental European expansion in their November-January issue.
McDermott Will & Emery was referred to as offering "U.S.-style advice" to UK companies including ING Barings, IAC Holdings and Chrysalis in the August 20 issue of Financial Times. The article, "Going for the American option..." addresses the increased options for UK companies regarding legal advice on big corporate deals — U.S firms with London offices.
Corporate, Corporate - London, International, London, Mergers & Acquisitions
McDermott Will & Emery was featured in "International Firms in London" annual review and schedule of the May 31 issue of Legal Week. "The call of the capital" looks at firms looking to establish a presence in London and the options of merging or setting up a new partnership
McDermott Will & Emery’s growth in London was outlined in a chart published in the May 2001 issue of American Lawyer. The rate of growth from 1999 to 2000 was noted at 233% and the growth from 2000 to 2001 was marked as 30%.
