MICHAEL BOTT
Michael is an English-qualified lawyer who is widely acknowledged as a market-leading practitioner in the emerging markets, particularly Russia and the CIS. He has acted for international bank syndicates and corporations on some of the largest and most complex financings in Russia, including numerous restructurings (both consensual and contentious). Before setting up Bott Van Kesteren Partners, Michael was a senior partner in a Magic Circle firm where he led its Russian Banking & Finance practice. He speaks Russian fluently.
RECOGNITIONS:
Michael is recognised as a Tier 1 professional by Chambers:
“He thinks together with, and ahead of, clients and can pre-empt our questions.”
“Michael Bott is praised for his excellent negotiations skills, including his ability to calm down the situation in a way that people can understand’.”
“… one of the best lawyers working in our segment of the market.”
"He is a go-to guy for anything serious the banks are looking to do. He is very good at finding solutions that are creative and adapts to on-the-ground circumstances."
Mirthe van Kesteren
Mirthe has advised on commodities-backed, receivables-backed and other structured transactions across Europe and the emerging markets, acting for borrowers, including sovereigns, and financial institutions. Before setting up Bott Van Kesteren Partners, Mirthe was a senior partner in a Magic Circle firm where she led its London based Emerging Markets Banking and Structured Commodity Trade Finance practices and co-led its CIS and Ukraine Desks.
RECOGNITIONS:
Mirthe has been selected by Legal 500 for the Hall of Fame which:
“highlights individuals who have received constant praise from their clients for continued excellence. The Hall of Fame highlights, to clients, the law firm partners who are at the pinnacle of the profession”.
She is described by clients as:
“… the lawyer I would want on my side, in particular in negotiations. She will not allow the other side to engage you in unnecessary discussions over finer points of law but will focus instead on practical outcomes. She can be very firm but is unfailingly polite.”
“… always available, responsive and provides detailed advice covering various scenarios.”
Mirthe is described by Chambers as:
“…a first-rate adviser in all respects. She is highly astute with a strong commercial acumen.”