Ranking tables
Banking & Finance | Global
UK
Rankings overview for Lawyers
Eminent Practitioners
- Michael Bates Clifford Chance LLP20 Years Ranked
- Robert Lee Clifford Chance LLP16 Years Ranked
- Stephen LucasKirkland & Ellis International LLP
Band 1
Denise Gibson A&O Shearman7 Years Ranked
Ian Barratt Kirkland & Ellis International LLP12 Years Ranked
Neel Sachdev Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP13 Years Ranked- Suhrud Mehta Milbank LLP17 Years Ranked
- Dominic NewcombLatham & Watkins
- Jayanthi SadanandanSidley Austin LLP
Band 2
Alex Mitchell Freshfields12 Years Ranked
Christopher Kandel McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP17 Years Ranked- Mohamed Nurmohamed Paul Hastings (Europe) LLP5 Years Ranked
- Nick Syson Linklaters20 Years Ranked
Robin Harvey A&O Shearman15 Years Ranked
Tom Richards Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP7 Years Ranked- Christopher ShieldKirkland & Ellis International LLP
- Jonathan BrownsonLatham & Watkins
- Sam HamiltonSidley Austin LLP
Band 3
- Edward Fife Slaughter and May7 Years Ranked
- Emma Folds Clifford Chance LLP11 Years Ranked
Gareth Eagles White & Case LLP5 Years Ranked
Jeremy Duffy White & Case LLP4 Years Ranked- Jim MacHale Clifford Chance LLP17 Years Ranked
Luke McDougall Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP4 Years Ranked
Nicholas Benham Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP9 Years Ranked
Philip Bowden Proskauer Rose LLP5 Years Ranked- Presley L Warner Sullivan & Cromwell LLP18 Years Ranked
Simon C Roberts A&O Shearman18 Years Ranked
Band 4
Chris McLaughlin Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP4 Years Ranked
Clive Wells Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP17 Years Ranked
David J Campbell A&O Shearman10 Years Ranked- David Robson Clifford Chance LLP3 Years Ranked
Korey Fevzi Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP4 Years Ranked- Oliver Sceales Linklaters4 Years Ranked
- Ross Anderson Paul Hastings (Europe) LLP4 Years Ranked
- Taner Hassan Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP5 Years Ranked
- Neil CaddyFried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
Band 5
Annette Kurdian A&O Shearman4 Years Ranked
Christopher Davis Freshfields4 Years Ranked
Colin Harley White & Case LLP3 Years Ranked
Fergus Wheeler Latham & Watkins4 Years Ranked
Greg Brown A&O Shearman5 Years Ranked
Martin D Hutchings Freshfields4 Years Ranked
Pete Coulton Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP6 Years Ranked
Peter Hayes Paul Hastings (Europe) LLP4 Years Ranked- Sarbajeet Nag Milbank LLP3 Years Ranked
Stephen Short Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP21 Years Ranked- Toby S G Grimstone Linklaters4 Years Ranked
- Edward AldredCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
- Ross PooleyLatham & Watkins
Band 6
Alan J Davies Debevoise & Plimpton LLP5 Years Ranked- Alexander Robb Ropes & Gray LLP1 Years Ranked
- Alexandra Grant Milbank LLP3 Years Ranked
Darren Hanwell A&O Shearman1 Years Ranked- David Irvine Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP12 Years Ranked
Martin Forbes White & Case LLP3 Years Ranked
Matt Moore A&O Shearman1 Years Ranked- Matthew Tobin Slaughter and May4 Years Ranked
Nicholas J S Clark A&O Shearman11 Years Ranked- Oliver Edwards Linklaters4 Years Ranked
Paul Hibbert Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP4 Years Ranked- Peter Dahlen Clifford Chance LLP11 Years Ranked
Philip Stopford Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP1 Years Ranked
Reena Gogna Paul Hastings (Europe) LLP4 Years Ranked- Robert Byk Slaughter and May5 Years Ranked
- Daniel MazeLatham & Watkins
- Jim HoCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
- Joydeep ChoudhuriLatham & Watkins
- Kirsteen NicolKirkland & Ellis International LLP
- Will NevinHerbert Smith Freehills
Up and Coming
Aled Batey Freshfields1 Years Ranked- Caroline Phillips Slaughter and May1 Years Ranked
Emma Foster White & Case LLP1 Years Ranked
Jane Glancy A&O Shearman1 Years Ranked- Karan Chopra Paul Hastings (Europe) LLP1 Years Ranked
Neil Sinha A&O Shearman1 Years Ranked
Richard Lloyd White & Case LLP1 Years Ranked
Shameer Shah A&O Shearman1 Years Ranked- Thomas Critchley Clifford Chance US LLP1 Years Ranked
- Evgeny ZborovskyKirkland & Ellis International LLP
- Fergus O'DomhnaillSidley Austin LLP
- Prue CriddleLatham & Watkins
All Lawyers profiles
Eminent Practitioners
E Michael Bates
Clifford Chance LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Eminent Practitioners | 20 Years RankedUK regional managing partner Michael Bates is recognised as one of the foremost experts in infrastructure financing matters. He also comes highly recommended for his expertise when acting for corporate borrowers and bank lenders.E Robert LeeClifford Chance LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Eminent Practitioners | 16 Years RankedRobert Lee is the global practice area leader for finance at the firm. His broad finance practice spans cross-border M&A, corporate lending and fund finance matters, among others.- Stephen LucasKirkland & Ellis International LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Eminent Practitioners
Band 1
1 Denise Gibson
A&O Shearman | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 1 | 7 Years RankedCo-head of the firm's global leveraged finance group, Denise Gibson has a respected practice advising on a range of financings, regularly assisting with particularly complex deal structures. She is especially versed in handling lender-side mandates, with ample experience advising traditional as well as direct lenders on high-value international transactions.1 Ian BarrattKirkland & Ellis International LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 1 | 12 Years RankedIan Barratt continues to be regarded as one of the premier choices for sponsor-side representation. He is frequently instructed by leading private equity clients to advise on leveraged acquisition finance matters and is well versed in cross-border transactions.1 Neel Sachdev
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 1 | 13 Years RankedNeel Sachdev co-heads Kirkland's debt finance practice and remains a leading authority in the finance market, noted for his stellar representation of sponsor-side clients. He is regularly called upon to advise on complex, multi-jurisdictional debt finance matters, in particular acquisition financings and take-privates.1 Suhrud Mehta
Milbank LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 1 | 17 Years RankedCo-head of the firm's global leveraged finance practice Suhrud Mehta is regularly instructed on complex cross-border matters. He is a practitioner of choice for leading financial institutions on big-ticket transactions.
Band 2
2 Alex Mitchell
Freshfields | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 2 | 12 Years RankedAlex Mitchell is global co-head of Freshfields' leveraged finance group and regularly acts for investment fund and private equity clients. He is well positioned to act on complex multi-jurisdictional financings while also handling mid-sized domestic transactions for portfolio companies.2 Christopher KandelMcDermott Will & Emery UK LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 2 | 17 Years RankedChristopher Kandel of Morrison Foerster is regarded as a go-to player in the London banking and finance market. His expertise includes complex and high-value cross-border leveraged and corporate finance matters.2 Mohamed Nurmohamed
Paul Hastings (Europe) LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 2 | 5 Years RankedCo-chair of the firm's global finance practice Mohamed Nurmohamed is highlighted for his adept handling of lender-side mandates. He is frequently instructed by investment banks and private creditors to assist with complex cross-border financings.2 Nick Syson
Linklaters | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 2 | 20 Years RankedNick Syson is renowned in the market for his wealth of experience assisting banks with large-cap financings. He is adroit at advising on leveraged finance and debt restructuring matters.2 Robin HarveyA&O Shearman | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 2 | 15 Years RankedCo-head of the firm'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.2 Tom Richards
Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 2 | 7 Years RankedTom Richards is noted for his expert representation of private equity sponsors, which he advises on the gamut of leveraged finance matters. He is regularly sought after to assist clients on complex multi-jurisdictional transactions.- Christopher ShieldKirkland & Ellis International LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 2
Band 3
3 Edward Fife
Slaughter and May | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 3 | 7 Years RankedEdward Fife regularly advises borrower clients on a broad array of matters including high-value acquisition financing, the refinancing of corporate loans and infrastructure finance mandates. He also offers expertise in lender-side representation.3 Emma FoldsClifford Chance LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 3 | 11 Years Ranked"I always feel in very capable hands when Emma is working on a transaction for me. She responds very quickly and can provide advice on very short notice. She has excellent commercial awareness and is able to identify key points to negotiate in the context of a specific transaction, understanding the commercial needs on both sides, and providing clear advice."3 Gareth Eagles
White & Case LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 3 | 5 Years RankedGlobal head of private credit and direct lending at the firm, Gareth Eagles is an expert in this area. He is well placed to advise on big-ticket acquisition financings.3 Jeremy DuffyWhite & Case LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 3 | 4 Years Ranked"He is really excellent and can focus the banks onto the risks that matter rather than feeding chaos in difficult transactions. Other lawyers might use the nervousness of the bank as a potential out, he is brave enough to work through it with them, navigating the tricky courses and always providing us with options and opportunities."3 Jim MacHaleClifford Chance LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 3 | 17 Years RankedJim MacHale is well regarded for his expert handling of leveraged finance and corporate loan matters. His practice includes both domestic and cross-border mandates. He is particularly active on the lender side, frequently advising mandated lead arrangers. He has additional experience in private credit transactions.3 Luke McDougall
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 3 | 4 Years Ranked"He is eager, bright, highly commercial and incredibly thoughtful as it relates to transactions. He is one of the most proactive and inclusive lawyers and also has a good read of situations and clients to ensure that negotiations and processes are done smoothly."3 Nicholas BenhamDavis Polk & Wardwell LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 3 | 9 Years RankedNicholas Benham of Davis Polk & Wardwell is adept at advising on leveraged and investment-grade acquisition financings. He is able to act for clients across the space, from lenders to corporate borrowers and sponsors.3 Philip Bowden
Proskauer Rose LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 3 | 5 Years RankedCo-head of global banking and of the private capital group at the firm, Philip Bowden is regularly called upon to advise on domestic and cross-border matters. He is adept at handling both leveraged and investment-grade acquisition financings as well as structured finance matters.3 Presley L Warner
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 3 | 18 Years RankedPresley Warner heads the European credit and leveraged finance practice at Sullivan & Cromwell. He is principally experienced in advising on cross-border matters, counting private equity firms, corporates and financial institutions among his clients.3 Simon C RobertsA&O Shearman | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 3 | 18 Years RankedSimon 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.
Band 4
4 Chris McLaughlinWeil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 4 | 4 Years RankedChris McLaughlin is regularly instructed by sponsors and financial institutions on a range of leveraged and corporate acquisition financings. He is additionally noted for his expert representation of private debt funds.4 Clive Wells
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 4 | 17 Years RankedClive Wells has considerable experience acting for large corporates on investment-grade transactions. His practice involves advising on all manner of financings, including acquisition and structured finance. He has additional experience advising sponsors and lenders.4 David J CampbellA&O Shearman | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 4 | 10 Years RankedDavid 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.4 David RobsonClifford Chance LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 4 | 3 Years Ranked"David Robson is knowledgeable, practical, and happy balancing the legalities of a situation with commercial considerations. He builds his deal teams with an appropriate level of skill and experience, whilst visibly coaching those around him."4 Korey Fevzi
Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 4 | 4 Years RankedKorey Fevzi joined Cravath, Swaine & Moore in March 2023. He draws praise for his capabilities in leveraged and acquisition financings. His clients include sponsors, private credit funds, corporates and financial institutions, whom he advises on cross-border and domestic mandates.4 Oliver ScealesLinklaters | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 4 | 4 Years Ranked"I simply trust Oliver and his team to run things and never feel that we need to double-check. Oliver instils a culture in his team of being very diligent and making sure to give timely and accurate advice, and he is always there to give a thorough response. No task is too small or too big for him."4 Ross AndersonPaul Hastings (Europe) LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 4 | 4 Years RankedRoss Anderson is recommended for his expert representation of lenders, including mixed groups of banks and funds. He centres his banking practice on leveraged finance matters.4 Taner HassanPaul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 4 | 5 Years Ranked"Taner is able to share his general view and advice prior to digging into the details of the financings he helps us structure and negotiate. He is extremely commercial, which makes our work together highly efficient and effective, and is able to deal with a number of legal points directly and explain the key commercial points in a distinctive manner that allows us to find solutions quickly."- Neil CaddyFried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 4
Band 5
5 Annette KurdianA&O Shearman | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 5 | 4 Years RankedAnnette Kurdian acts for domestic and international banks as well as direct lenders, whom she regularly advises on high-value cross-border leveraged finance transactions.5 Christopher DavisFreshfields | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 5 | 4 Years RankedChristopher Davis is a capable adviser to both corporate and private equity clients on cross-border financings. He is noted for his expertise in leveraged and acquisition finance.5 Colin HarleyWhite & Case LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 5 | 3 Years RankedHead of the firm's banking practice in the EMEA region, Colin Harley is a go-to in the leveraged finance space. He typically represents sponsor-side clients in complex domestic and cross-border transactions.5 Fergus WheelerLatham & Watkins | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 5 | 4 Years RankedFergus Wheeler of Akin Gump has substantial expertise in direct lending matters. He acts across the capital structure, counting a number of private credit funds and alternative capital providers among his client base.5 Greg BrownA&O Shearman | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 5 | 5 Years Ranked"Greg is the commercial partner we need on our deals. He is visible and leads his deals appropriately. He is also a nice person and good to get along with and you can have very honest conversations with him, which shows the strength of the relationship."5 Martin D HutchingsFreshfields | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 5 | 4 Years Ranked"Martin is a joy to work with. He is insightful and analytical as well as efficient both in his written advice and on calls. He invokes a sense of calm and is not fazed by time-critical and complex issues. He also has significant market knowledge and understanding."5 Pete CoultonSkadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 5 | 6 Years RankedPete Coulton is noted for his representation of private equity sponsors on big-ticket financings. He has experience of leveraged finance matters and is also adept at advising on corporate borrowers on investment-grade transactions.5 Peter HayesPaul Hastings (Europe) LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 5 | 4 Years Ranked"Peter Hayes combines great technical skills with a solution-driven mindset, to help us achieve our goal. He delivers outstanding results, in terms of quality of advice, documentation and pace of delivery - in our normal course of business as well as under pressure."5 Sarbajeet NagMilbank LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 5 | 3 Years RankedSarbajeet Nag is highlighted for his expertise in acquisition finance and regularly advises leading financial institutions on high-value transactions.5 Stephen Short
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 5 | 21 Years RankedCo-head of the firm’s London fund finance practice, Stephen Short impresses with his expert knowledge of the space. His practice also includes domestic and international leveraged acquisition finance, with notable expertise in an array of debt instruments.5 Toby S G GrimstoneLinklaters | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 5 | 4 Years RankedCo-head of corporate and structured lending, Toby Grimstone is adept at advising on syndicated and secured bank financings. He is regularly instructed by bank and borrower clients and specialises in acquisition and general corporate financing matters.
Band 6
6 Alan J Davies
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 6 | 5 Years RankedAlan Davies acts for domestic and international clients on a range of transactions. His finance practice spans structured, acquisition and asset finance matters, in addition to fund financing.6 Alexander Robb
Ropes & Gray LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 6 | 1 Years Ranked"We appreciate that Alex sees a lot of flow in the market and is good for providing us with broader knowledge and market context and how we are positioned versus others."6 Alexandra GrantMilbank LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 6 | 3 Years RankedAlexandra Grant is noted for her work on cross-border leveraged finance matters. She regularly acts on behalf of international investment and merchant banks, with additional experience acting for borrowers.6 Darren HanwellA&O Shearman | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 6 | 1 Years Ranked"Darren did an excellent job on a tricky deal. He ran the process very smoothly, dealing with our numerous queries; I appreciated his guidance and help."6 David Irvine
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 6 | 12 Years RankedDavid Irvine assists sponsors on big-ticket acquisition financings, with additional experience in fund finance transactions. He also brings an excellent understanding of Asian markets, having practised in Hong Kong.6 Martin ForbesWhite & Case LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 6 | 3 Years RankedMartin Forbes advises both corporate borrowers and sponsor-side clients on a wide range of financings. He is particularly adept at handling cross-border transactions and has a keen understanding of US leveraged products.6 Matt MooreA&O Shearman | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 6 | 1 Years RankedMatt 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.6 Matthew TobinSlaughter and May | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 6 | 4 Years RankedMatthew Tobin has particular experience advising on investment-grade lending and capital markets transactions. He is a trusted adviser to large corporates, whom he advises on deals including acquisition bridge facilities, corporate loan refinancings and reorganisations as well as bond issuances.6 Nicholas J S ClarkA&O Shearman | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 6 | 11 Years RankedCo-head of the global leveraged finance group at the firm, Nicholas Clark has a respected practice, recently most focused on lender clients. He regularly assists bank syndicates with leveraged finance mandates.6 Oliver EdwardsLinklaters | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 6 | 4 Years RankedOliver Edwards is co-head of corporate and structured lending and specialises in margin lending matters. He is a sought after by banks to advise on cross-border transactions, including leveraged and investment-grade financings as well as secured facilities.6 Paul HibbertSimpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 6 | 4 Years RankedPaul Hibbert has an active finance practice advising sponsor and lender-side clients. He offers niche expertise in infrastructure finance matters as well as real estate and fund financings.6 Peter DahlenClifford Chance LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 6 | 11 Years RankedPeter Dahlen has a practice that sees him assist both borrowers and lenders on complex financing arrangements. He has a particular focus on the Nordic region.6 Philip StopfordCravath, Swaine & Moore LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 6 | 1 Years RankedPhilip Stopford joined Cravath, Swaine & Moore in March 2023. He is experienced assisting banks and alternative lenders on a range of leveraged financings, particularly in cross-border transactions.6 Reena GognaPaul Hastings (Europe) LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 6 | 4 Years Ranked"Reena and her team take a lot off my plate. With her, you can trust that all of the issues have been spotted and raised with you, and that a legal solution has been proposed that protects your interests, and brings the parties together."6 Robert BykSlaughter and May | Banking & Finance2024 | Band 6 | 5 Years RankedRobert Byk is adept at advising corporate borrowers on cross-border financings, with particular experience in the manufacturing, oil and gas and life sciences sectors. He has a broad practice which spans structured acquisitions and bid financings, in addition to capital markets expertise.
Up and Coming
U Aled BateyFreshfields | Banking & Finance2024 | Up and Coming | 1 Years RankedAled Batey has a growing reputation for his representation of sponsor-side clients as well as corporate borrowers. He typically acts for his clients in acquisition financings, including take-privates, and has experience in bridge to bond facilities.U Caroline PhillipsSlaughter and May | Banking & Finance2024 | Up and Coming | 1 Years RankedUp-and-comer Caroline Phillips advises borrower-side clients on financing transactions across domestic and international markets. She is able to handle a variety of deal types for well-known corporates and financial services companies, including revolving credit facilities and Tier 3 facilities as well as pension scheme facilities.U Emma FosterWhite & Case LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Up and Coming | 1 Years RankedEmma Foster typically advises private credit funds on big-ticket financings.U Jane GlancyA&O Shearman | Banking & Finance2024 | Up and Coming | 1 Years RankedUp-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.U Karan ChopraPaul Hastings (Europe) LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Up and Coming | 1 Years RankedKaran Chopra acts for lender-side clients on an array of UK and cross-border financings. He is particularly noted for his expertise on the private credit side.U Neil SinhaA&O Shearman | Banking & Finance2024 | Up and Coming | 1 Years Ranked"Neil is excellent - he is one of the smartest lawyers out there, extremely commercial and well versed on the product level and detail. Having Neil on our side when negotiating is extremely important: I trust and rely on him 100%; he really pushes points that matter."U Richard LloydWhite & Case LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Up and Coming | 1 Years Ranked"Richard is brilliant to work with. His affable, charming and straightforward character means that everyone wants to work with him. He is able to work creatively and efficiently to deliver innovative solutions for his clients, including on very compressed timelines."U Shameer ShahA&O Shearman | Banking & Finance2024 | Up and Coming | 1 Years Ranked"Shameer is a clear expert in navigating complex lending structures. His keen market sense, technical acumen and ability to build strong relationships across the table consistently help drive transactions to successful completion."U Thomas CritchleyClifford Chance US LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Up and Coming | 1 Years RankedThomas Critchley handles sophisticated and high-value financings for high-profile sponsor clients. His experience includes sustainability-linked products.- Evgeny ZborovskyKirkland & Ellis International LLP | Banking & Finance2024 | Up and Coming