ALLEN & OVERY
Allen & Overy was singled out among top law firms for driving developments in all aspects and regions of derivatives markets. While other firms earned praise in particular fields or regions, A&O came out on top for its global presence and the breadth of partners' experience.
As was the case in 2005, the firm's ties to the International Swaps and Derivatives Association were cited as adding to its prominence and credibility in the eyes of dealers and investors. ISDA has been especially active in credit derivatives this year and senior partners worked on documentation for credit-default swaps on asset-backed securities, collateralized debt obligation tranches and leveraged loans as well as updating credit derivatives definitions and creating novation and credit event protocols.
Clients praised the practice, co-founded by Edward Murray and Simon Haddock, for partner knowledge and responsiveness. "Someone there knows every product," said one London dealer. "I've never gone to them with a question they haven't thought about."
Other Nominees:
* Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft * Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton
* Linklaters * Simmons & Simmons
