February 15, 2024
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 for 2024.
Our recognitions this year are:
Litigation: Trial Lawyers in the United States
Matthew Menchel was again placed in Band 1. Chambers noted he is “a renowned white-collar litigator at Kobre & Kim, known for trying many of the country’s most high-profile criminal cases.” Testimonials praised Mr. Menchel as “one of the best cross-examiners I have ever seen” and “a master at trial.”
Corporate Crime & Investigations (International Firms) in Brazil
Kobre & Kim earned a place in Band 2 for its “seasoned team” that is “well regarded for representing individuals in high-profile and multi-jurisdiction matters, including enforcement strategies and asset recovery campaigns, as well as DOJ and SEC investigations.” Chambers also praised the lawyers’ “knowledge of fraud, money laundering and FCPA investigations.”
Testimonials noted the firm has “grown exponentially in the last ten years” and “are well experienced and respected in the U.S.” Others praised the team as “engaged, skillful” and “highly specialized in Brazil, speak the language and understand the culture.”
Latin America – International Counsel
Kobre & Kim is placed in Band 2, with its “dynamic practice” and “significant capabilities in corporate crime and investigations involving Latin American jurisdictions,” particularly in “a wide range of high-profile matters including fraud, misconduct and money laundering cases.” Testimonials point to the firm’s “diverse backgrounds and solid experience in several areas of law.”
In addition, Adriana Riviere-Badell is also recognized individually in this category. Chambers writes that she “possesses a commendable practice across various Latin American jurisdictions” and “is regularly seen acting on regulatory and investigative matters for a range of clients including major corporations.” Testimonials praise Ms. Riviere-Badell as “definitely an excellent professional” who is “extremely sophisticated, focused and quality-oriented.”
Dispute Resolution in the Cayman Islands
Peter Tyers-Smith has again earned a spot in Band 2 for his “considerable experience assisting with cases throughout the Commonwealth Caribbean,” with Chambers noting his focus on white-collar fraud, trust and insolvency disputes. Testimonials highlighted Mr. Tyers-Smith’s “good judgment and common sense” as well as his “good business sense which helps with the orderly resolution of disputes” and “ability to retain knowledge and communication both verbally and in writing is second to none.” Others lauded him as “utterly brilliant – he knows the law inside out and he is an absolutely fantastic advocate who can explain very difficult issues in very easy-to-comprehend language.”
Additionally, Ilona Groark is highlighted as an associate to watch for “her growing reputation as a Cayman Islands attorney.” She is praised as “an exceptional, hard-working lawyer who is a great strategic thinker,” “responsive, diligent and client-focused,” and “super-smart, dedicated and very hard-working.”
Kobre & Kim also earned a spot in this category as “a well-regarded, global onshore disputes and corporate investigations” firm with a “well-established Cayman Islands office,” notable for assisting in “cross-border insolvency cases involving trust structures and asset protection schemes.” Testimonials praise the team as “very sophisticated in their thinking and analysis” with “real breadth of experience,” having “the depth to dig into issues” and “efficient and direct in their work and advice.”
Dispute Resolution: International Firms in South Korea
Kobre & Kim is placed highly in this category, with Chambers noting the firm’s capability to draw “seamlessly upon the resources of a global network of offices to advise clients on multi-jurisdictional disputes, notable including those concerning allegations of fraud or other misconduct.” Also notable is the firm being “particularly well equipped to advise Korean and other regional clients on matters involving interaction with U.S. regulatory authorities.” Testimonials praise the firm as “highly involved in enforcement and litigation work.”
Michael Kim is also individually spotlighted for his focus on “cross-border disputes and investigations matters, often involving elements of fraud, financial misconduct and insolvency.”
Derivatives: Enforcement in the United States
Jonathan Cogan is individually spotlighted for his “notable expertise in derivatives enforcement matters, particularly in matters relating to market manipulation and spoofing.” Testimonials extolled him as “an excellent lawyer” who is “a very effective advocate and clients love him.”
Corporate Investigations/Anti-Corruption in Global: Multi-Jurisdictional
Kobre & Kim is placed in this category as a “high-caliber white-collar defense firm with substantial international experience in the investigations space, leveraging its global network to assist multinational clients in their multi-jurisdictional challenges.”
Chambers noted the firm’s strength in “developing international strategies to execute cross-border investigations involving corruption, fraud and bribery,” the “deep bench of experts with experience as former government investigators and litigators,” and “a robust global network” of offices. Testimonials also pointed to the firm’s “ability to deal with sensitive matters” and its “team of super talented litigators” who have “good instincts, are strong on their feet and are knowledgeable on the lay of the land.”
Dispute Resolution in the United Arab Emirates
Paul Hughes earned a spot among practitioners in this area, with Chambers pointing to his “impressive practice covering white-collar fraud cases in addition to the enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards.” He is also “noteworthy for his representation of individual executives and high-net-worth individuals as well as financial institutions and petrochemical companies.”
Testimonials praise Mr. Hughes as “a fantastic lawyer possessing extensive subject matter expertise and a strong commercial acumen. His wealth of experience enables him to navigate complex legal matters with exceptional proficiency.” His “solutions are intricately intertwined with our business considerations, effectively harmonizing the legal strategies with our overarching commercial goals.” Others are “blown away by Paul Hughes” and laud him as “a brilliant strategist” and “an excellent lawyer.”
Richard Clarke was also recognized as an up and coming lawyer in this category, notable for his focus on “civil fraud, insolvency and asset recovery,” as well as his “experience assisting with enforcement proceedings.” Testimonials call him “a star of the future” and “one of the best younger lawyers in the DIFC” who is “impressive and does not get fazed.”
Investigations & Enforcement (International & Cross-Border) in the United States
Kobre & Kim is recognized in this category for its “cross-border enforcement and criminal defense work.” The firm “regularly acts as co-counsel in multi-jurisdictional investigations and litigation,” and also “acts as lead global coordinator, advising clients on regulatory defense strategy and enforcement actions, and is particularly adept in proceedings involving offshore jurisdictions.” Chambers further explains, “the team consists of investigators who are well equipped to deal with US agencies, such as the SEC and the CFTC, as well as a whole host of regulators across the globe.”