Government

Advising states in their progressive enterprises

Dechert represents states and state-owned entities in complex capital markets transactions, high-profile international arbitrations and infrastructure finance. Our lawyers also advise on EU regulatory compliance and conduct negotiations in EU treaty cases. Dechert draws upon its decades-long relationships with ministries and central banks to serve as trusted adviser to sovereign states around the world.

Sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt issuances 

Dechert has a market-leading practice in the representation of issuers and underwriters in sovereign/quasi-sovereign debt issuances. Our team has acted on more than 100 sovereign debt issuances and, in the past five years, on sovereign debt issuances in an aggregate principal amount of more than US$50 billion. Notably, we have acted on sovereign Eurobond issuances for Albania, Bahrain, Barbados, Egypt, Georgia, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia. We also represent numerous quasi-sovereign issuers, including JSC Development Bank of Kazakhstan and JSC Georgian Railway. 

Dechert has a standout team covering the emerging markets, with deep experience in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Mediterranean Basin. Team members are credited with pioneering the development of the MENA capital markets, and have structured numerous ‘market first’ transactions for states, including, among many others, local currency-denominated issuances.

Dechert won the ‘Banking and Finance Team of the Year’ at Legal Week’s 2017 Middle East Legal Awards for its representation of the Arab Republic of Egypt in multi-billion, multi-tranche issuances under its Global Medium Term Note Program. It also won ‘Sub Investment Grade Bond/Sukuk Deal of the Year’ at GFC Media Group’s 2017 Bonds, Loans and Sukuk Awards. International capital markets lead partner Camille Abousleiman was honored with a 'Lifetime Achievement Award' by International Financial Law Review in 2017 and was named a ‘2018 Dealmaker of the Year’ by The American Lawyer. 

International arbitration

Dechert’s International Arbitration Practice is widely recognized for acting in international arbitrations involving states and state entities. As noted by Legal 500 Latin America 2014, our “unparalleled experience” and “understanding of States’ actions” place us “among the best law firms in investment treaty arbitration.” 

Our team has a long history of successfully advising clients in international arbitration involving States and State entities, both in commercial and in investment arbitrations. We have handled some of the leading arbitrations brought to date, and we have a formidable track record acting as counsel under all major arbitration rules with a vast range of governing laws and venues.  

Infrastructure development and project finance

Dechert advises states on innovative project finance transactions. Our lawyers draw upon their experience representing commercial banks, sponsors, funds, underwriters and many other participants in capital-intensive projects and facilities around the world. We have considerable expertise advising clients in relation to planning matters including site appraisals, major planning applications, environmental impact assessments, highways, waterways and licensing matters, planning and infrastructure agreements and environmental indemnities. 

We have experience in developing and negotiating design and construction contracts and regularly bring this expertise to bear in relation to infrastructure transactions. We also have experience in managing proceedings concerning claims litigation and alternative dispute resolution and handle the formation and operation of infrastructure funds, including those focused on emerging markets.

EU regulation and government affairs

Our lawyers advise governments, trade associations and companies that operate in Europe or trade with European counterparts on compliance with a wide range of legal and regulatory requirements. We help clients navigate the complex network of regulation, legislation and standards that govern EU and broader global policymaking, and work to minimize the potential negative impact of current and future European regulation on their business activities. We develop persuasive legal, political and economic challenges to the status quo or plans for reform as well as effective influencing campaigns that target EU decision-makers, challenge EU Member States’ implementation of EU rules through infringement proceedings and handle legal and policy requirements for EU regulatory approvals and licenses.