If it is a big deal and it involves a European telecoms company, then it is likely that Joachim Fleury is involved somewhere. Fleury has long been recognised as one of the leading lawyers in his field, and the past year has again proved fruitful. The head of Clifford Chance’s communications, media and technology (CMT) team seems to be able to secure himself and his team a place on all the juicy mandates floating around the City. Recent deals include a role advising Telefonica on its £17.7bn acquisition of O2, plus instructions from Oger Telecom and T-Mobile Austria.

Fleury has managed to keep winning the big-ticket work while steering Clifford Chance’s CMT team through a difficult few years. Whatever happens at the magic circle firm, Fleury remains the lawyer with an unrivalled knowledge of the European telecoms market and a deals list to die for.