Shona Smith

Justin Watts is an experienced patent litigator who has an established and well-regarded intellectual property practice. Clients rely on his industry knowledge and years of experience to handle their complex, multinational disputes. Dr. Watts represents a variety of clients, with an emphasis on those in the pharmaceutical, medical devices, biotechnology, communications, and hardware and software industries, in disputes involving standards, competition law and patents. Dr. Watts' experience en...

Nigel van Zyl specializes in advising asset managers, institutional investors and investment advisors across the full spectrum of investment fund matters. Praised for his keen business sense and practical approach, Nigel advises leading international fund managers on all aspects of their fund business, including the formation, raising, maintenance and ongoing operation and compliance of their investment funds. He also advises on internal governance, compliance and organization, carried intere...

Robert Haak is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of High Yield Products. Robert practices law in London, United Kingdom Best Lawyers has recognized Robert Haak since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Robert Haak is held by other lawyers.

Vincent Zabielski focuses on international nuclear energy matters, including providing strategic advice related to new-build EPC contracts, power purchase agreements, operation and maintenance, fuel supply chain, liability issues, and export controls. Prior to joining Pillsbury, Vincent was Senior Nuclear Counsel for the UAE nuclear new build program, where he was responsible for integration of nuclear licensing strategy with the largest-ever public financing of a public works project. During...

Charlie Caher is a partner in the Firm's Litigation/Controversy Department, and a member of the International Arbitration Practice Group. He joined the Firm in 2008. Mr. Caher is based in the London office, where he practices International Arbitration and English High Court Litigation.

Andrew Hine is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Trusts and Personal Tax Law. Andrew practices law in London, United Kingdom Best Lawyers has recognized Andrew Hine since 2009. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Andrew Hine is held by other lawyers.

Deborah Ruff leads Pillsbury’s Arbitration - U.S. & International practice. She has extensive experience in multi-jurisdiction disputes, with a focus on high-value and complex international arbitration in the energy, infrastructure and construction, telecommunications and financial sectors. Deborah conducts international arbitration disputes often over JOAs, the construction of and off-take from refineries and petrochemical plants, as well as rig, energy trading and transport, and c...

James Cox is a partner in the London office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and a member of the firm’s Labour and Employment Practice Group. Mr. Cox has extensive experience in contentious and non-contentious labor and employment matters, with an emphasis on cross-border employment issues, collective labor and industrial disputes, redundancies and workforce restructurings, ARD/TUPE, the employment aspects of public and private mergers and acquisitions and outsourcing arrangements, corpor...

Ali Nikpay is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Competition Law. Ali practices law in London, United Kingdom Best Lawyers has recognized Ali Nikpay since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Ali Nikpay is held by other lawyers.

Carolyn Jackson helps clients solve complex cross-border issues involving the regulation of financial institutions and financial products, including derivatives. Carolyn's depth of knowledge and practical approach are shaped by her first-hand experience: she managed the New York trading desk of several investment banks and was formerly the executive director of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Trading firms, banks, asset managers, clearing houses and trading venues re...