Mike Davison > Addleshaw Goddard > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Drawing upon ‘excellent bench strength in London and regionally’, Addleshaw Goddard has the critical mass and expertise, at both the front end and on the restructuring side, to provide ‘cost-effective, dynamic, solutions-oriented and client-focused advice’ for a lender-aligned client base, irrespective of geographical location. ‘Well-connected’ team head Mike Davison has ‘extensive knowledge in the sector’ as a result of his creditor-side focus for clearing banks, challengers and specialist lenders, ensuring that he has an excellent perspective of “what is market”, including on the UK aspects of international deals as well as for new entrants establishing a presence in the market. James Tarleton, who rejoined the firm in January 2024 following a period at Osborne Clarke LLP, also adds further strength on new money and restructuring deals for lenders and borrowers. Manchester-based Harold Brako is ‘an industry authority in the ABL world’ and excels in advising lenders on litigation involving ABL structures, including as it relates to fraud claims and asset recovery. Other key members of the team include the ‘tenacious and knowledgeable’ Anna Hodgson, for restructuring work in the sector; ‘very diligent and responsive’ Manchester-based Lauren Priest-Stephens, who handles front-end and restructuring work; Leeds-based Philippa McCarthy, who oversees ABL work in Yorkshire and the North East; and Kayleigh Brady, who is, according to one lender client, ‘already one of the best “up and coming” associates in the sector’. All named practitioners are based in London unless otherwise indicated.

Addleshaw Goddard continues to grow its London trade finance practice, which works closely with the firm’s European and the Middle Eastern offices, as well as its regional and international focus groups – notably the Africa Group – to provide transactional and litigation advice on high-value deals. Mike Davison leads a practice that acts for UK clearing banks, international banks, funds and specialist sector trade finance providers. Traditionally a lender-side practice, the firm recently rehired James Tarleton from Osborne Clarke LLP to add significant experience on the borrower side. Among the junior ranks, Batsho Nthoi is vastly experienced, having spent 11 years at Standard Chartered Bank in Botswana, South Africa and the UK.