Ben Love

Law360 has named counsel Ben Love (NY) as one of its Rising Stars to watch in the energy industry for his international arbitration work. Acting as lead associate, Ben managed a complex set of arbitrations arising out of the cessation of gas supply from Egypt to Israel following the Arab Spring. In that case, he extracted a billion-dollar award from Egyptian natural gas suppliers for his client after arguing that they wrongfully terminated a gas supply contract.

Also in 2019, he also had exceptional achievements representing major energy companies in disputes with South American governments before the World Bank’s arbitration institution. For instance, Ben helped thwart Argentina’s attempt to annul a US$254 million award to his European energy client for breaches of the French-Argentina bilateral investment treaty.

Ben was named among the Most Highly Regarded Individuals and a Future Leader in the 2017, 2018, and 2019 Who’s Who of international arbitration. Sources commented that he is “an esteemed practitioner” and “a rock star in his field,” who is “very good with clients,” and “exhibits ‘multijurisdictional experience coupled with excellent and tireless advocacy.’”

Richard Hakes

Reed Smith partner Richard M. Hakes earned a Law360 Rising Star award in part because of his role in what ended up being the biggest shipping loan deal of 2018.

Richard was lead advisor to Deutsche Bank on the disposal of a loan portfolio worth $1.2 billion, spread across a diversified pool of maritime sectors and sponsors. In leading the project, Richard managed a team of more than 70 lawyers.

He represented Merx Aviation in the sale and the leasing of Boeing 737-800 aircraft, as well as the sale and leaseback of four A321-200 aircraft, all to European airlines. He was Reed Smith's lead partner for aviation in work for the UK Civil Aviation Authority on numerous projects dealing with airline insolvency and contingency planning.

Richard is one of a small number of asset finance lawyers who can advise a fund as to every facet of its shipping investments, from structured financing products to technical shipping documents.

About Reed Smith

Reed Smith is one of the largest disputes firms in the world, and it has garnered a reputation for comprehensive and international counsel and representation. The firm provides strategic and timely advice for pre-contract risk management; negotiation and alternative dispute resolution strategy; insurance coverage guidance; and in hearings, motions, trials and appeals in courts around the globe.

Reed Smith’s transportation group advises on the complete spectrum of issues in the transportation life-cycle. It advises lenders to the transportation industries, ship and aircraft owners, operating lessors, airlines, aircraft manufacturers, ship yards, insurers, ports and terminals and other businesses involved in the sector.