The nominations for the prestigious International Financial Law Review's awards have been announced. The awards ceremony is scheduled on March 4, 2010 in Hong Kong.

The Sterlite Convertible deal is nominated for the 'Debt and Equity Linked Deal of the Year'. Luthra & Luthra and S&R take lead amongst the Indian firms. Shearman & Sterling, Latham & Watkins, Henry Davis York and Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler were the international counsels on this deal. Competing deals include the Bank of East Asia core capital, Indika senior notes, PRC Rmb bond, Sino-Forest Exchange offer and the Vincom convertible deals.

The Cairn India restructuring is the other India deal that is nominated for the 'Project Finance Deal of the Year'. The deal which saw Amarchand Mangaldas, J. Sagar Associates and Luthra & Luthra among the India firms also saw Herbert Smith and McGrigors acting as international advisors on the deal. The other three nominees include the Paiton 3, Victorian desalination plant and New Bong Escape financing deals.

Luthra has secured nominations on both India deals. It is surprising to see AZB & Partners not on any of the nominated deals, while best friend Clifford Chance has the highest nominations amongst all the law firms.

The shortlist which has the best of global law firms on Asia deals is available here.