Banking & Finance: Borrowers: Big-Ticket
UK Guide 2025 : London (Firms)
Band 1
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+44 20 3088 0000Chambers Review
A&O Shearman is widely viewed as one of the leading banking practices in London with standout expertise in syndicated lending, a space in which it advises high-profile corporate borrowers and traditional lenders on prominent, often multi-jurisdictional, financing transactions. In addition to its work for banks, the team advises a growing number of debt funds on direct lending mandates. The department is also highly regarded as a leader in the leveraged finance market, offering sterling advice to high-profile asset managers.
Work Highlights
- A&O Shearman advises BAE Systems on the financing for its USD5.5 billion acquisition of Ball Aerospace from the Ball Corporation.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The team at A&O is very responsive and understand what clients want. They fight their corner quite hard and I'm very happy with them."
"We have worked across various complex transactions with the A&O teams over the years; they can handle different streams seamlessly and leverage their broad experience."
"They have a top team of lawyers and associates all able to smoothly navigate complicated issues. I highly rate the deal team from associate up."
"They have a very strong understanding of issues and present solutions in a user-friendly manner."
"The team at A&O is very responsive and understand what clients want. They fight their corner quite hard and I'm very happy with them."
"We have worked across various complex transactions with the A&O teams over the years; they can handle different streams seamlessly and leverage their broad experience."
"They have a top team of lawyers and associates all able to smoothly navigate complicated issues. I highly rate the deal team from associate up."
"They have a very strong understanding of issues and present solutions in a user-friendly manner."
Notable Practitioners
Denise Gibson is A&O Sheaman's managing partner. She has a respected practice advising on a range of financings, regularly assisting with particularly complex deal structures. She is especially well-versed in handling lender-side mandates, with ample experience advising traditional as well as direct lenders on high-value international transactions.
"Denise finds practical solutions to complex issues and is always a pleasure to work with."
"Denise is absolutely outstanding. Pragmatic and super commercial, she thinks about solutions before you even present the issues, because she sees the issue before you."
Co-head of A&O Shearman's global private equity practice, Robin Harvey comes recommended for his strengths advising across the finance space. He is particularly adept at acting for prominent sponsors on private equity financing matters and also assists their portfolio companies.
"Robin is very capable when it comes to anticipating issues and provides a strong commercial vision to customers."
David Campbell can handle both leveraged and acquisition finance, with particular expertise in investment-grade matters. He advises well-known banks and syndicates as well as corporate borrowers and he has particular experience in Nordic region transactions.
"David is super easy to deal with and an excellent lawyer."
"David is thoughtful, proactive and puts the needs of our client first."
"It's a real pleasure to work with David. He's very much a solution-focused lawyer who leads his team with a 'can-do' approach."
"Instructing him always feels extremely user-friendly from a client perspective. He is also very focused upon maximising the value his client derives from the service."
Simon Roberts has expertise within the corporate lending space. He regularly advises on domestic and international financing transactions, and is also highly capable in the field of real estate financing.
Annette Kurdian acts for domestic and international banks as well as direct lenders, whom she regularly advises on high-value cross-border leveraged finance transactions.
"She is brilliant. She's very meticulous, always available, and really in the detail of her transactions. I'm a big fan of hers."
"She has an unrivalled ability to deliver commercial advice on complex matters in incredibly short timeframes."
Gregory Brown is adept at advising financial institutions and other lenders on debt financings, as well as borrower clients. He has experience handling transactions in a number of other areas, including emerging markets and fund finance.
"Greg is engaged, alert to commercial matters and he's very responsive."
"He's a great partner to have on transactions."
Co-head of the debt finance at the A&O Shearman, Nicholas Clark has a respected practice, recently most focused on lender clients. He regularly assists bank syndicates with leveraged finance mandates.
"He is an excellent lawyer from a technical perspective. He's calm and rational, as well as very solution-oriented."
Darren Hanwell advises on leveraged financings in the big-ticket market and typically acts on behalf of lenders.
"Darren is a very good lawyer who knows how to run a deal. He's commercial and approachable."
Up-and-comer Jane Glancy acts for both borrower and lender-side clients on a wide range of financings, including high-value acquisition financings and the refinancing of corporate loans.
Matt Moore has a growing reputation for his work on acquisition and leveraged finance mandates. His client base includes a variety of lenders from banks to alternative capital providers.
"He's very helpful and knowledgeable."
Neil Sinha is private equity sector lead at A&O Shearman. He advises borrower and sponsor clients on a range of financing transactions, such as refinancings and add-ons to existing facilities as well as new acquisition financings.
"Neil Sinner is one of the best in the business on the leveraged finance side, you are always comfortable he will get you the best terms."
"Neil is great. He's very proactive in terms of idea generation as well as shepherding negotiations. This separates the good from the great and he demonstrates great capabilities."
Shameer Shah is well-known for his private credit expertise and for his client base of leading credit funds.
"Shameer is an excellent lender-side lawyer. He understands the commercial dynamics of transactions and deservedly has the trust of his credit fund clients."
"Shameer was great to work with and supported the team on a highly complex situation."
"Shameer is superb. He's technically excellent while also being very commercial and seeing the big picture."
Dominique Crowley is a promising senior associate. She has experience assisting lenders as well as borrowers with a range of financings, including fund finance and ESG-linked structures.
"I'll shout from the rooftops how good she is as a senior associate - she's delightful, personable to deal with and she's really good with clients."