February 16, 2023
Publication: Chambers & Partners
In recognition of our strong cross-border capabilities and deep bench of talent, Chambers & Partners listed Kobre & Kim and several lawyers around the world in their latest Global Guide rankings.
Our recognitions this year are:
Litigation: Trial Lawyers in the United States
Matthew Menchel was placed in Band 1, with Chambers noting him as “a renowned white-collar litigator, known for trying many of the country’s most high-profile criminal cases.” Testimonials praise him as “an exceptional trial advocate” and “a consummate trial attorney” whose “cross-examinations are legendary."
Corporate Crime & Investigations (International Firms) in Brazil
Kobre & Kim was placed in Band 2 of this category. Chambers said the firm’s “seasoned team is well regarded for representing individuals in high-profile and multi-jurisdictional matters, including enforcement strategies and asset recovery campaigns, as well as DOJ and SEC investigations.” The profile noted “corporate clients also benefit from the lawyers’ knowledge of fraud, money laundering and FCPA investigations.”
Chambers individually ranked Martin De Luca and Gabriela Ruiz in this category as well. Mr. De Luca “is a strong player in the corporate crime and investigation field, and is particularly well regarded for his experience representing individuals in high-profile cross-border disputes and investigations.” Ms. Ruiz “is held in high esteem by clients and peers alike for her notable work representing clients, both corporate and individual, in sophisticated disputes and investigations.”
Dispute Resolution in Cayman Islands
Chambers noted Kobre & Kim’s involvement in “cross-border insolvency cases involving trust structures and asset protection schemes” in the offshore world. Testimonials praise the firm’s team as “agile, with a deep consolidated knowledge base,” “well-informed” and “really understand what we need.”
Peter Tyers-Smith was individually recognized in Band 2 for his “considerable experience assisting with cases throughout the Commonwealth Caribbean.” The rankings cited clients calling him “an exceptional lawyer and master strategist” who “not only has our back, but takes the time to really understand the detail and background of a situation and advise the stakeholders as to how to deal with litigation and other means of resolution.”
Jalil Asif KC was recognized as “well versed in shareholder and trust cases as well as a broad spectrum of general commercial disputes. Testimonials cite him as “very knowledgeable and strategic” and “a significant added value to our team.”
Ilona Groark is noted for her “growing reputation” and her involvement in fraud cases and contentious trust matters, with Chambers quoting others praising her as “extremely responsive and business-minded.”
Corporate Investigations/Anti-Corruption (International Firms) in China
Kobre & Kim was placed highly among the top firms in this category.
Corporate Crime & Investigations in Latin America – International Counsel
Chambers pointed to Kobre & Kim’s “dynamic practice enjoying significant capabilities in corporate crime and investigations involving Latin America jurisdictions,” handling “a wide range of high-profile cases including fraud, misconduct and money laundering cases.” The profile also praised the firm’s practitioners’ “solid knowledge of FCPA matters and longstanding experience interacting with the SEC and DOJ,” listing Martin De Luca, Gabriela Ruiz, Adriana Riviere-Badell and Evelyn Sheehan as key contacts.
Dispute Resolution: International Firms in South Korea
Kobre & Kim earned recognition in this category, with Chambers praising the firm’s ability to “draw seamlessly upon the resources of a global network of offices to advise clients on multi-jurisdictional disputes, notably including those concerning allegations of fraud or other misconduct.” The firm “is particularly well equipped to advise Korean and other regional clients on matters involving interaction with U.S. regulatory authorities,” and also “offers noteworthy IP litigation abilities.”
Michael Kim is individually recognized in this category as well.
Dispute Resolution in the United Arab Emirates
Paul Hughes is noted by Chambers for acting on behalf of “financial institutions in relation to debt recovery cases and numerous other matters,” as well as for “acting on shareholder, insurance and construction disputes in the DIFC Courts.” Testimonials said he is “very focused on delivering clear advice as concisely and efficiently as possible and always with a mind to the client’s commercial reality and needs,” and praised him as “an excellent specialist in his field and a pleasure to deal with.”
Corporate Investigations in the United Arab Emirates
Katy Fisher is remarked as a “financial services and financial regulation specialist with a broad contentious and non-contentious practice.” Chambers noted her as “a respected lawyer who has a high level of experience in cases relating to alleged white-collar fraud and money laundering.” Testimonials praise Ms. Fisher as “an excellent investigator.”
Investigations & Enforcement (International & Cross-Border) in the United States
Chambers pointed to Kobre & Kim’s “increased international recognition for its cross-border enforcement and criminal defense work.” The firm is noted for acting as “co-counsel in multi-jurisdictional investigations and litigation concerning corporate fraud and money laundering” as well as “lead global coordinator, advising clients on regulatory defense strategy and enforcement actions.” Chambers praised the firm as “particularly adept in proceedings involving offshore jurisdictions” with “an impressive global footprint.” Testimonials noted the firm’s lawyers “have deep relationships across many jurisdictions” and “are very good for cross-border matters.”