The firm
One of the big firms in the US for M&A, Dorsey & Whitney augmented its corporate practice by hiring former Addleshaw Goddard partner Matthew Doughty and has been advising on a number of UK-only deals in the sub-£50m bracket. The firm also advises on capital markets, tax and litigation. Focusing on technology, life sciences and entrepreneurial companies, the firm has a strong track record in advising venture-backed clients in the UK and internationally.
The star performers
Commercial litigation; Commercial property; Corporate and commercial; Corporate tax; Emerging markets; Fraud; IT and IP; Venture capital.
The deals
Advised KBC Peel Hunt on IPO and listing of Goals Soccer Centres plc; advised Excel Airways Group plc on its £200m AIM introduction; advised on the IPO and AIM listing of Local Radio Company plc; on the Imperial College law firm panel for emerging companies; undertakes larger transactions for US clients such as Dana and Dover corporations.
The clients
Ambrian; British Gas; CSFB; Deutsche Bank; Morgan Stanley; National Westminster Bank; United Healthcare Group; Warburg Dillon Read.
The money
(from Legal Business magazine)
Turnover in 2008: $366.9m (no change from 2007) Profits per equity partner: $534,000 (+19%)
The Lex 100 verdict
Not one of the highest profile US firms in London, Dorsey & Whitney is nonetheless making a good impression on its select group of trainees, in several cases starting with the vacation scheme (where the firm is a Lex 100 Winner). Many targeted the firm precisely for the 'very small intake; trainees take on responsibility at an early stage and have a high level of client contact', plus the combination of 'international work and a strong client-base, with the intimacy of a smaller office'. An interest in heavyweight international transactional work would be useful, as would maturity and confidence to deal with the responsibility of 'associate-level work'. Work experiences range from 'attending the Privy Council to lodge documents' to 'attending client meetings for the drafting of witness statement', whilst for another 'the best part of my training contract has been meeting some of the most interesting clients'. A good choice for those keen to make their mark early on: 'as a trainee, if you show initiative and enthusiasm, expect to gain excellent experience', plus 'plenty of responsibility' whilst being 'made to feel part of the team'. Several mentioned the friendly office atmosphere - 'fee earners work very hard but everyone is approachable and friendly' - and the 'less formal and hierarchical' attitudes helped no doubt by the 'diverse pool of trainees'. One of the downsides to training in a smaller office can be less sophisticated resources and here the most common complaints related to the fact that 'support and resources are often lacking'. Overall you can expect a less formal, more hands-on training experience with less supervision, but 'despite its small size in London, its international reputation delivers high-profile clients and work'.