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2 APRIL 2007

New brand, clear focus, building on strengths as international specialists

Thomas Cooper announced today more changes to push forward its strategy of international development by strengthening its position in its specialist field of maritime, trade and finance law. The recent recruitment of new partners in its London office, together with the addition of a new Paris office with internationally recognised partners, signalled that the firm is a major player in this field.

To reflect the changes, and to clarify its strengths, Thomas Cooper also introduces a new approach to its brand. Based on the core idea of helping clients to navigate through the legal complexity of international commerce – to find the clear way forward – Thomas Cooper has also made changes to its visual appearance. These changes can be seen in new marketing materials and website launched today. All of these draw on Thomas Cooper’s distinctively pragmatic approach, with an understanding of how to interpret the law in different areas of the world.

Navigating the complexity of international commerce

Thomas Cooper – the simplification of the name from Thomas Cooper & Stibbard is another signal of change – now has six international offices. These are located in London, Athens, Madrid, Paris, Vancouver and Singapore. Thomas Cooper is clearer than ever that its people, and their expertise and strong character, are its major strength which enable the firm to serve client interests better. This focus and commitment sets Thomas Cooper apart from the big, multi-practice firms.

COMMENTS

Graham Harris, partner in Thomas Cooper’s London office, commented:

“These are exciting times at Thomas Cooper. There has been a real energy about the firm for a couple of years now and we are happy that this exercise provides a vehicle to focus that energy.”

“It all started with identifying what made us different and it was soon realised that we occupy a unique place in the market. We are specialists with an international network and a real understanding of how to get things done in the clients’ best interests.”

“It just so happens that Ben Browne (ex Shaw & Croft) and Lars Lewis, Peter Iglikowski and Christophe Hunkeler (ex Richards Butler Reed Smith, Paris) had identified in us those same qualities and we now find ourselves welcoming them aboard on the day we roll out the new Thomas Cooper The changes won’t stop here, but it’s a good start.”

Douglas Bateson, partner and head of Thomas Cooper’s Athens office said:

“As we continue to grow and develop, I have been conscious of the need to identify and stay true to our core values as a firm. This branding exercise has been of particular interest to many of us in our overseas offices.”

“We have now made clear what Thomas Cooper uniquely stands for and mapped out the way ahead. This has also generated a real desire in the firm to push on, and this is all very timely as we open another office in Paris.”

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Thomas Cooper specialises in international maritime, trade and finance law, helping clients find the best way to avoid, mitigate or resolve risk. We practise in the following core and inter-related areas: Maritime, Trade, Finance, Company and Commercial, Insurance, International Arbitration, and Oil and Gas.

Thomas Cooper has experience of dealing with the law in key jurisdictions around the world, with offices in London, Athens, Madrid, Paris, Singapore and Vancouver. We take a pragmatic approach, providing clear advice that helps clients navigate through the complexity of international commerce. The high level of involvement of our partners ensures that our clients always have access to real expertise.

Thomas Cooper. The clear way forward.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Darryl Kennard, Thomas Cooper
T +44 (0)20 7390 2205 E darryl.kennard@thomascooperlaw.com