Paul Hastings LLP > London, England > Firm Profile
Paul Hastings LLP Offices
100 Bishopsgate
LONDON
EC2N 4AG
England
Paul Hastings LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Finance > High yield Tier 1
Paul Hastings LLP continues to expand its high yield practice, which acts for numerous leading investment banks, sponsors, corporates and bond investors. The practice is led by Patrick Bright, who joined from Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP in late 2022 along with Alexander Horstmann-Caines and counsel Jemma Lohr McPherson – the latter working from both London and Paris. Along with the highly regarded Maximilian Kirchner and up-and-coming partner Edward Holmes, they form one of the most experienced teams in the market. With five recognised high yield experts, the firm is staking its claim as a big player in the market. Its impressive array of clients, among them Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, KKR and Carlyle, attests to its growing strength among banks and private equity sponsors, though it also acts for issuers such as Boparan Group and GCX. Kirchner recently assisted BAML with a $300m offering by Jones DesLauriers Insurance Management/Navacord, a company controlled by private equity sponsor Madison Dearborn Partners and one of Canada’s fastest-growing multi-line insurance brokers. Peter Schwartz departed in February 2024.Practice head(s):
Patrick Bright
Other key lawyers:
Maximillian Kirchner; Edward Holmes; Horstmann-Caines; Jemma McPherson
Key clients
Isabel Marant
Kiloutou
Boparan Group Holdings Ltd
GCX Limited
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
EA Partners I & II
Jefferies
JP Morgan
Morgan Stanley
Goldman Sachs
Citigroup
Credit Suisse
KKR
Officine Maccaferri S.p.A.
Barclays
Carlyle
Work highlights
- Represented BofA Securities, BMO Capital Markets, CIBC Capital Markets, and TD Securities in connection with the offering of $300 million aggregate principal amount of 10.50% senior notes due in 2030 by Jones DesLauriers Insurance Management/Navacord, a company controlled by private equity sponsor Madison Dearborn Partners and one of Canada’s fastest growing multi-line insurance brokers.
- Advising Isabel Marant, a French luxury fashion label and portfolio company of the private equity firm, Montefiore Investments, in connection with the refinancing of its 6.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 with new Senior Secured Notes due 2028.
- Advised the initial purchasers on the €175,000,000 5% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 issued by Cidron Aida Finco S.a.r.l. The proceeds of the notes were used to finance general corporate purposes, including certain expected acquisitions.
Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure: M&A and acquisition financing Tier 1
Counting a stellar list of transatlantic clients, Paul Hastings LLP ‘s growing London infrastructure team has been taking on an increasing number of instructions. The firm has been investing heavily in the practice, as evidenced by the hire of M&A expert Jessamy Gallagher and acquisition finance partner Stuart Rowson in 2023 who bring considerable expertise and market experience from their time at Linklaters LLP. The cross-border practice advises sponsors investing in the infrastructure market predominantly through M&A transactions, leveraging proficiencies in banking, capital markets and finance. Gallagher sits at the head of the group and possesses a strong understanding of the full range of assets from utilities to emerging digital developments, while co-head Rowson deals with the financing required to facilitate complex transactions. Infrastructure financing partner Derwin Jenkinson and M&A partner Steven Bryan left in autumn 2023.Practice head(s):
Jessamy Gallagher; Stuart Rowson
Testimonials
‘The team have a wide reach and extensive experience. It is clear that they work well together and the combined knowledge and execution ability is exceptional. The consistency and approach to client care marks them out as being ahead of the competition’
‘The team is very knowledgeable in this space and combines it with a commercial outlook that is really helpful. They are adept in getting deals done in a tight timeframe and cut to the heart of the issues with ease.’
Key clients
Amber Infrastructure
Dalmore
Allianz Capital
John Laing Group (owned by KKR)
Barings
Readypower Group
Castle Water
Antin Infrastructure
VTRM
EIG Energy Partners
Brookfield Infrastructure/ Brookfield Private Equity
Arcus Infrastructure Partners LLP
Hermes Infrastructure
Salt Mobile SA
Cosco Shipping Ports Limited
Angel Trains
Cory Riverside
Nat West
Nomura
Jefferies
Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners
nLighten
BofA Securities
Fair Market Value Capital Partners
Work highlights
- Advised specialist infrastructure fund manager Amber Infrastructure and its related entities International Public Partnerships Limited (INPP) and Swiss Life Asset Managers, alongside co-shareholders Allianz Capital Partners and infrastructure fund manager Dalmore Capital Limited, on the purchase of a 10.66% shareholding in the Thames Tideway Tunnel from DIF Capital Partners.
- Advised John Laing in connection with the acquisition, and related financing, of the entirety of the shareholding interest in two special purpose vehicles, Electribus Bogotá USME I S.A.S. and Electribus Bogotá Fontibón II S.A.S. (collectively, the “Electribus Project”) which are responsible for the acquisition and commissioning of 259 electric buses for the public transport authority of Bogotá (SITP).
- Advising Cory on the acquisition financing of the McGrath Brothers waste business. The financing involved a holdco acquisition facility with recourse to both the equity value in the existing Cory operating company group and the McGrath business. The facility was structured with total loan life cover and DSCR financial covenants and a bespoke covenant package with limited “look-through” to the operating companies.
Finance > Acquisition finance Tier 2
Paul Hastings LLP has been on upward trajectory in the leveraged finance market for the last decade, with a series of astute recent hires reaching its apogee in 2022 with the recruitment of a team of high-profile finance lawyers from top-tier outfit Latham & Watkins. Consequently, the firm now has the critical mass and product knowledge, particularly in the big-ticket lender side bank and bond market (where it is well-versed in advising on European and US-style documentation), to provide a truly credible alternative to its magic circle and white shoe US firm competitors. The team is jointly chared by Ross Anderson and Mohamed Nurmohamed, who are both able to draw on significant cross-border leveraged finance experience across a diverse array of financial products. Former practice co-head Luke McDougall left the firm in May 2024.Practice head(s):
Mo Nurmohamed; Ross Anderson
Other key lawyers:
Karan Chopra; Peter Hayes; Rob Davidson
Testimonials
‘Top breadth and depth. One of the best in the market.’
‘Great ability to pin-point only the items that matter.’
Key clients
Goldman Sachs
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Morgan Stanley
Credit Suisse
Deutsche Bank
Sixth Street
KKR
JP Morgan
Ares
Barings
HSBC
Barclays
Golub
Jefferies
CVC Credit
Apollo
BNP Paribas
Nordea
Pemberton
Work highlights
- Acted for 12 banks and six funds delivering a capital structure comprising a senior secured TLB and RCF, privately placed SUNs, PIK notes and preference shares, totaling around $2.3bn in connection with Advent/Cobham’s public-to-private acquisition of Ultra plc.
- Advised 12 banks on a €1.15bn bank underwritten first lien financing and four funds on a €265m privately placed second lien facility for the purchase by Advent International, of Caldic BV from Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM), and the simultaneous merger of Caldic with Advent’s portfolio company, Grupo Transmerquim S.A.
- Represented Mizuho, as fronting bank, and Kroll, as agent, in relation to an incremental facility to the senior facilities agreement entered into in connection with Advent Fund 8’s acquisition of Mediq.
Finance > Securitisation Tier 2
Paul Hastings LLP has 'very deep mortgage industry knowledge', giving it a strong platform for work on CMBS and RMBS transactions, though it is also a key player in CLO and NPL transactions. Miles Flynn, CLO specialist Cameron Saylor and Paul Severs (who 'loves to solve commercial problems and is very good and coming up with pragmatic solutions that work for everyone') lead the practice. Saylor acted for Credit Suisse in the issuance of €400m of notes by Harvest CLO XXIX DAC, in the first Euro transaction in the market where a large Japanese bank acted as the sole AAA investor. Newly promoted structured credit partner James Baillie has a particular focus on CLOs, on which he advises issuers, originators, investment managers, lenders, and arrangers. He and Saylor are 'great partners to work with always available'. Up-and-coming partner Victoria Morton, who has 'deep technical knowledge', worked with Severs to advise on the separation of Kensington Mortgage Company from group companies KHL and Kayl within the framework of 12 existing public securitisations and 3 private securitisations. Restructuring expert Mei Lian also has a key role in the practice.Practice head(s):
Miles Flynn; Cameron Saylor; Paul Severs
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A very good and solid CLO team.’
‘Cameron Saylor and James Baillie are great partners to work with always available.’
‘The practice operates a bespoke model where clients have the benefit of dedicated associate/partner cover. This allows for the development of deep relationships with their clients The team also has very deep mortgage industry knowledge and specific experience dealing with us over a period of decades cumulatively.’
‘Paul Severs has a wealth of experience advising specialist mortgage lenders specifically. He is also the type of person that loves to solve commercial problems and is very good and coming up with pragmatic solutions that work for everyone. He can also be very aggressive when pursuing his clients interests.’
‘Victoria Morton – our go-to member of the team. She has supported our transactions throughout her career and now engages us as the partner on most of our deals. She was instrumental in the recent sale of our business and has delivered many of our securitisations effectively. She also has deep technical knowledge.’
Key clients
Kensington Mortgage Company Limited
Kayl Sarl
The Mortgage Lender
Deutsche Bank
Fairfield
Mount Street
Oplo Group and Tandem Bank
LiveMore Capital Limited
Balbec Capital LP
ING Bank
DRC Capital
Fairhold Finance
OakNorth
Together Group
Piraeus Bank S.A.
doValue S.p.A.
Work highlights
- Advised on the proposed sale of Kensington Mortgage Company to Barclays Bank UK PLC and the separation of this entity legally and commercially from group companies Kayl and KHL that were the retention holders for £8 billion of securitised assets. Advised on the separation of Kensington from KHL and Kayl within the framework of 12 existing public securitisations and t3 private securitisations.
- Advised Together Money on their largest ever first charge only owner-occupied and buy-to-let residential mortgage-backed securitisation, Together Asset Backed Securitisation 2022-1ST1 Plc.
- Advised Credit Suisse on the issuance by Harvest CLO XXIX DAC of c. €400m of notes backed by corporate debt.
Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure Tier 2
With a global network, an ‘incredible level of commercial acumen’ and ‘deep hotel market knowledge', the full-service hospitality and leisure team at Paul Hastings LLP, which focuses predominantly on real estate work, is well regarded for its involvement with prominent hotel and leisure developments, acquisitions, re-brandings, investments and portfolio deals. The team is also able to leverage the strength of the firm’s complementary practices, including banking and finance, tax, restructuring and employment. Leading the team is 'brilliant mind' Michael James, who offers extensive experience in cross-border hotel work, including corporate real estate transactions, and lease and management agreements. ‘Go-to lawyer’ Stephen Nicolas has recently advised on hotel deals in the European market, bringing an ‘unparalleled commerciality and holistic approach’ to hotel sales, development, and re-branding. Also focusing on the hospitality sector is Edward Meadowcroft, who offers significant expertise in drafting and negotiating, hotel management and franchise agreements, joint ventures, acquisitions, and disposals.Practice head(s):
Michael James
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team have good knowledge, professionalism, and availability.’
‘Stephen Nicolas has consistently shown a broad business acumen. This enables him to provide quality core real estate advice, enhanced with operational and commercial awareness of our business.’
‘If you’re looking to operate in the hospitality and leisure market, Paul Hastings has the team you want on your side. They make deals happen, they are commercial, they are extremely knowledgeable, they are efficient, effective and responsive. They are a full-service team, with particular strengths in direct or indirect hotel M&A.’
‘Stephen Nicolas is my go-to lawyer. For any deal, I trust no-one more to coordinate, manage and get the deal done. His ability to choreograph complex, multi-jurisdictional and multi-party deals is simply second to none. I have worked with him for years, I’ve recommended him to peers, I could not be happier and I would not look elsewhere. He is the lawyer you want fighting your corner. His unparalleled commerciality and holistic approach to deals, combined with his proactivity and dedication to his clients, make him a rare find.’
‘The team has deep hotel market knowledge at pan-European level.’
‘Edward Meadowcroft is great at drafting and negotiating. Michael James is great to weigh in with tonnes of gravitas when needed.’
‘Michael James, Edward Meadowcroft and the wider team are amongst the most brilliant minds I have encountered and consistently deliver results in the most complex of situations.’
‘The Paul Hastings team always shows an incredible level of commercial acumen alongside its legal prowess, setting itself apart from the competition. Michael James and Edward Meadowcroft always anticipate client needs in advance and have often surprised our team with the amount of diligence undertaken in very short periods of time.’
Key clients
Starwood Capital
LRC
PineBridge Benson Elliot
Walton Street
Goldman Sachs
TPG
Highgate Hotels
Omnam Group
RB Capital
Cerberus
Aroundtown
Klarent Hospitality
Bain Capital
GHIG
Work highlights
- Advised Aroundtown on the proposed sale of the Hilton Hyde Park Hotel and the re-gearing of the long-leasehold interest with London Underground.
- Advising Starwood Capital on the acquisition of two sites in Dublin, Ireland to be developed into hotels.
- Advising Bain Capital on hotel and development management arrangements for the upcoming Edition Hotel, Lake Como.
Risk advisory > Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates) Tier 2
Displaying a strong presence in the corporate investigations and compliance field, the Paul Hastings LLP team uses its ‘talent at all levels’ to effectively handle anti-bribery and corruption, fraud, and data security proceedings. The firm’s international structure enables close collaboration between the offices in the US, Europe, and Asia, enabling the practice to advise clients on all aspects surrounding high-profile cross-border investigations brought by domestic and global enforcement bodies. Jonathan Pickworth heads the practice, adopting an ‘imaginative’ approach when considering complex tax evasion and corruption matters, whilst Joanna Dimmock uses her ‘meticulous eye for detail’ when assisting with international corruption and criminal cartel issues. Morgan Miller supports companies during white-collar defence cases, and Arun Srivastava is also highlighted.Practice head(s):
Jonathan Pickworth
Other key lawyers:
Joanna Dimmock; Morgan Miller; Arun Srivastava; Fred Kelly
Testimonials
‘Jonathan Pickworth is world class. A superb and imaginative lawyer who achieves remarkable results. A great strategist and visionary.’
‘Jo Dimmock is also world class. She has a meticulous eye for detail.’
‘Jonathan Pickworth is imaginative and full of drive. He is one of the best if not the best in this field.’
‘Jo Dimmock is also one of best there is. They provide a formidable service which it is hard to beat.’
‘Their team has talent at all levels.’
‘Jonathan Pickworth is an outstanding lawyer. Easy to work with, very knowledgeable and brainy but also highly practical.’
‘A welcome addition to the London legal landscape delivering top-class conflict free management of litigation with a commercial slant derived from a top-class US risk and regulatory group which merged with high-level recruitment creates an impressive team.’
Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions - mid-market deals (up to £250m) Tier 3
In addition to a steady stream of sponsor-side engagements, Paul Hastings LLP‘s management team work sees the team advising on a number of transactions across the tech, healthcare, and industrials sectors. The practice is headed up by Anu Balasubramanian, a highly active transactional partner whose expertise is concentrated in tech and life sciences. Tom Cartwright – who joined the team from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP in June 2022 – has since advised on cross-border deals in the insurance, chemical, and manufacturing sectors, while Jamie Holdoway‘s recent workload includes buyouts, co-investments, and consortia transactions.Practice head(s):
Anu Balasubramanian
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Abry Partners
Francisco Partners
Oakley Capital
Astorg Partners
Marlin Equity Partners
Vector Capital
Symphony Technology Group
Strategic Value Partners
Brookfield
Centerbridge Partners
LINK Mobility Group
Keyloop
Wipro Limited
Canyon Capital Partners
SICP Investments
Alpine Grove
North Technology Group
Saba Software
Bregal
Benson Elliot
Work highlights
- Represented Oakley Capital Fund III on its merger of Grupo Primavera with Cegid and its reinvestment, alongside Silver Lake and KKR, in the combined structure.
- Represented Oakley Capital Origin Fund on the acquisition of vLex and the reinvestment by its founders.
- Advised Marlin Equity Partners on its investment in OpenAsset. This comprised the acquisition of securities from OpenAsset’s founders (who remain controlling shareholders), as well as an additional primary investment in the business.
Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: white-collar crime (advice to individuals) Tier 3
Paul Hastings LLP's 'creative, efficient and tough as nails' London team defends clients in sectors including energy, steel, finance, and security in high-profile proceedings brought by both UK and international regulators- including the SFO and the US DOJ. The team is particularly active in the bribery and corruption arena, covering proceedings spanning a multitude of jurisdictions, as well as routinely handling complex money laundering and serious fraud cases. The ‘world class’ Jonathan Pickworth heads the practice, specialising in dealing with tax evasion and money laundering investigations brought by the NCA, HMRC, and FCA, while Joanna Dimmock has expertise in economic sanctions, extradition, and prosecution matters. At the more junior end, Fred Kelly is knowledgeable on fraud and cartel offences and Tom Hickey advises on anti-bribery and corruption compliance programmes.Practice head(s):
Jonathan Pickworth
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Tough defenders who robustly defend rather than court the prosecution authorities. They have been at the centre of a string of successful cases against the SFO- they are creative, efficient and tough as nails. Well-resourced with great judgement.’
‘Jo Dimmock is a genius, how she balances work and life is one of the mysteries of the profession. She has won case after case in the past decade. Jonathan Pickworth, great lawyer and tactically astute.’
‘Jonathan Pickworth is world class. A visionary strategist and wonderfully imaginative. He is an original thinker who approaches his cases with great imagination and drive. He is one the best there is and his communication skills are superb.
‘Jo Dimmock has a wonderful eye for detail and great tactical vision. She inspires trust and confidence.’
‘The team is full of talented individuals at all levels.’
‘Jo Dimmock is an outstanding solicitor particularly adept at dealing with individuals being prosecuted by the SFO. She is committed and persists in fighting for her clients to secure their acquittal and has achieved some outstanding results.’
Work highlights
Finance > Derivatives and structured products Tier 3
Although it is best known for its CLO practice, Paul Hastings LLP climbs the ranking this year having invested in its team and broadened the scope of its work across the derivatives and structured products space. Jason Brooks joined the team from CMS in June 2022 to lead the structured credit practice, bringing extensive experience as an adviser to investment and retail banks, financial institutions, and corporates, particularly on derivative-linked and asset-based securities matters. Clients note that he is 'one of the best partners in the market, able to deal with our most complex structures'. Brooks joins Christian Parker, who specialises in structured bond and fund products and generally acting for credit fund managers, and CLO and risk retention specialist Cameron Saylor. Brooks recently advised UniCredit AG on a new Irish main market listing of UniCredit’s key TransAlp repackaging programme and trades thereunder.Practice head(s):
Jason Brooks
Other key lawyers:
Christian Parker; Cameron Saylor; Diala Minott
Testimonials
‘Fantastic responsiveness, nothing is too much trouble – this is a standout team. Technically excellent and capable of dealing with our most complex matters.’
‘Jason Brooks is a market leading partner with a wealth of experience. He is one of the best partners in the market in the DSF space – able to deal with our most complex structures.’
Key clients
BNPP
UniCredit
Morgan Stanley
Six Point Capital
Work highlights
- Advising BNPP on a regular flow of securitisation linked hedging transactions.
- Updated a new Irish main market listing of UniCredit’s key TransAlp repackaging programme and trades thereunder.
- Repackaging transactions and programme modifications and updates under the Alphabeta and Memel repackaging programmes, including listing, for Morgan Stanley.
Investment fund formation and management > Fund finance Tier 3
Investment fund formation and management > Private funds Tier 3
Paul Hastings LLP stands out for handling high value debt structures, as well as assisting with credit and direct funds. The group offers niche expertise in risk retention fund issues, an area in which Christian Parker is a specialist. Parker leads the team alongside credit and debt funds focused Diala Minott, and fund restructuring and spin-out expert Duncan Woollard. Ted Craig has deep experience in fund formation as well as GPs and secondary transactions.Practice head(s):
Diala Minott; Christian Parker; Duncan Woollard
Other key lawyers:
Ted Craig
Testimonials
‘Experienced and efficient team, with creative solutions to the most intractable problems. A true partner at every step of the way on the legal process.’
‘Duncan Woolard is a very experienced fund lawyer. He is efficient in his communication and is able to identify solutions to most legal issues in a pragmatic way. I would strongly recommend Duncan to any firm looking support with fund formation work.’
Key clients
Blackrock
Fidelity
JP Morgan Asset Management
PGIM
Montana capital partners
KKR
Insight Investment
Alliance Bernstein
AllSpring
HSBC Asset Management
Apollo
Work highlights
Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 3
Well-placed to leverage the support of the firm’s corporate, tax, securitisation and structured finance practice groups, Paul Hastings LLP regularly handles cross-border real estate transactions. Michael James spearheads the team and has considerable experience advising on investments pertaining to commercial, industrial, office, residential and senior living assets. Stephen Nicolas acts on corporate real estate mandates, including joint ventures and management agreements, while Edward Meadowcroft and Matthew Peters are noted for their capability in handling cross-border investment matters.Practice head(s):
Michael James
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They are commercial, quick thinking, pragmatic and approachable. The lawyers at Paul Hastings have a deep understanding of the business objectives and act seamlessly on our behalf.’
‘The standout would be Stephen Nicolas. We have worked with him on many transactions and he always over delivers.’
Key clients
LRC Real Estate
Starwood Capital
Goldman Sachs
TPG
Grand City Properties
Evans Randall Investors
PineBridge Benson Elliot
Walton Street
Cerberus
Angelo Gordon
Aroundtown
DPK Real Estate
Work highlights
- Advised Starwood Capital on the acquisition of 13 light industrial units located across the U.K.
- Advised Angelo Gordon on a large number of sale and leaseback transactions across England, Ireland, Netherlands and Spain.
- Advised DPK Real Estate on the real estate aspects of the acquisition of leasehold interests in the development site known as Phase 1, Royal Albert Dock.
Real estate > Property finance Tier 3
Paul Hastings LLP's practice head Miles Flynn has carved out a reputation in loan origination and loan-on-loan finance transactions for alternative lenders and commercial mortgage backed securitisation. The practice leverages its international footprint, and demonstrates experienced handling in complex matters involving cross-border elements.Practice head(s):
Miles Flynn
Key clients
Bank of America Europe DAC
Investec Bank Plc
JP Morgan
Morgan Stanley
Deutsche Bank
DRC Savills Investment Management
Oaktree Capital
Fairfield Real Estate Finance
Goldman Sachs
Ares
Work highlights
- Advising Fairfield REF ECS III Designated Activity Company as lender in relation to the refinancing and development of a large mixed use site located in Cornwall, England comprising a 40 unit ApartHotel, commercial units, 489 residential units, industrial storage, community and cultural floor space, sports, leisure, and open space.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Fintech Tier 3
Work highlights
Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 4
Paul Hastings LLP handles a broad range of matters concerning SFDR, AIFMD, IFPR, taxonomy regulation and MiFID II compliance, in addition ESG initiatives, fund structuring and the regulatory aspects of domestic and cross-border M&A transactions. Arun Srivastava leads the team and focuses on the regulatory obligations in the fintech arena, as well as advising on cross-border product and services offerings across the EU. Clients praise Srivastava and Nina Moffatt for their ‘encyclopedic knowledge’ and ‘comprehensive understanding of financial services and regulatory compliance’.Practice head(s):
Arun Srivastava
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘PH stands out for its unique combination of expertise and client-focused approach. The London team have unparalleled experience in financial services compliance and regulation, covering both the UK and abroad. The team members possess in-depth knowledge of the complex legal and regulatory frameworks that govern financial services.’
‘Arun Srivastava and Nina Moffatt possess a deep and comprehensive understanding of financial services and regulatory compliance. Their encyclopedic knowledge of the complex legal and regulatory landscape allows them to provide us with accurate, up-to-date, and practical advice that addresses both our unique legal requirements and commercial considerations.’
‘A highly diverse team with specialist knowledge and experience.’
‘Always available, makes time for client. Understands client’s individual circumstances, and knowledgeable about market practice.’
Key clients
American Express
Bangkok Bank
Accenture
JP Morgan
Waverton Investment Management
Work highlights
- Advised UK, EU and non-EEA asset and fund managers on the European Union’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) and Taxonomy Regulation.
- Advised UK and non-EEA (mainly US) fund managers on the new pre-marketing and marketing regimes under the AIFMD and the new cross-border fund distribution directive and regulation.
Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 4
Leveraging the firm’s vastly enhanced acquisition finance offering, which has included a spate of eye-catching lateral hires over the past 18 months, and also itself benefitting from considerable upward trajectory – with Helena Potts the latest recent hire to the restructuring team (following her arrival in February 2023 from Shearman & Sterling LLP) – Paul Hastings LLP is increasingly well-positioned and well-resourced to handle a significant range of instructions, from insolvent liquidations to consensual restructurings and new money opportunities. As well as handling European and domestic mandates, the team, which is headed by the vastly experienced David Ereira is well-placed to advise on the unwinding of US debt products, as well as having the flexibility to utilise Chapter 11 protection by virtue of its US offices. Mei Lian is well-versed at handling transactional work in the space, including for funds seeking to realise value in stressed and distressed situations.Practice head(s):
David Ereira; Mei Lian
Other key lawyers:
Helena Potts; David Shennan; Crispin Daly
Testimonials
‘Deep knowledge and significant experience. In addition, a great team – a pleasure to work with.’
‘Mei Lian is an exceptional lawyer and a great team leader: in addition to her deep knowledge and expertise, her hands-on approach to each transaction, her attention to detail and her communication skills make her unique.’
Key clients
Alpine Grove
Government of Jamaica
Park First
DPK
The family shareholders of Matalan
Metals Exploration/Edwards Investment/Runruno Limited
doValue S.p.A. and doValue Greece
GLAS
Mudrick Capital
AlbaCore
Owl Creek Asset Management
Work highlights
- Acted for Alpine Grove on the acquisition of the entire business of the Argyll Club.
- Advising Park First, a leading operator of airport car parking services at several leading UK hub airports, on their refinancing and liability management strategies, including on potential asset disposals for generation of liquidity and other restructuring processes.
- Advised DPK on its acquisition of the Royal Albert Docks site in East London from the insolvent Chinese-backed developer, ABP London.
Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 4
Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 5
Paul Hastings LLP is active for major financial institutions and private funds in a range of transactions, including disposals and M&A. Team lead Arun Birla is second managing partner of the firm, and has played a key role in the development of securitisation legislation. Jiten Tank is experienced in both domestic and international tax matters, and covers a range of transactions. Associates Jee Yoon Chung and Abigail Hung are core team members.Practice head(s):
Arun Birla
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very helpful and knowledgeable. There are no issues that are beyond their service and they assist us from cradle to grave on transactions.’
‘They provide confidence and give us the ability to look at other things knowing that our legal advisers have got it all covered.’
Key clients
Activum SG
Oakley Capital
Abry Partners
Pantheon
Centerbridge
Vector
Francisco Partners
Work highlights
- Assisted Activum SG with the closings of Fund VI and Fund VII and has also worked closely with them in dealing with the ongoing tax structuring aspects of their funds.
- Represented Oakley Capital Fund III on its merger of Grupo Primavera with Cegid and its reinvestment, alongside Silver Lake and KKR in the combined structure.
- Advised Symphony Technology Group on the acquisition of Alveo (rebranded from Asset Control in 2020) from Sovereign Capital.
Corporate and commercial > Financial services: contentious Tier 5
Under the leadership of Arun Srivastava, Paul Hastings LLP‘s London practice has developed as an international hub, operating in concert with the firm’s teams in the US and Asia to handle high-stakes investigations by foreign regulatory authorities. Jonathan Pickworth is noted for his focus on tax evasion, fraud, corruption and money laundering.Practice head(s):
Arun Srivastava
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Pickworth; Nina Moffatt
Key clients
Park First
CashEuroNet/QuickQuid
Uphold Europe Limited
The Currency Cloud
Work highlights
- Representing Richard Usher in a global investigation into the alleged rigging of the global foreign exchange market.
Corporate and commercial > M&A: Upper Mid-Market And Premium Deals, £750m+ Tier 5
Praised by clients as being ‘excellent on the legal detail, but also strong on commercial perspective’, the ‘ultra-responsive’ team at Paul Hastings LLP adopts a ‘highly commercial approach’ and offers ‘deep sector specific expertise’ and the ability to lead on complex and high-end transactions. Increasingly active on public M&A deals following a period of expansion, the team is also well-versed in private M&A on behalf of trade, strategic and private equity buyers and joint ventures. Noted as ‘the best commercial and corporate lawyer’ by one client, team head Matthew Poxon has ‘an encyclopaedic knowledge of black letter law.’ Joint-head with Poxon is hihgly regarded former Linklaters LLP partner, Jessamy Gallagher, who joined in January 2023 and specialises in international public and private M&A in the real assets, infrastructure and energy space. With a particular focus on UAE-based institutions and handling transformational public and private M&A transactions is David Prowse . Other changes at the firm include the departure of Garrett Hayes to McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP, the exit of former global co-managing partner Ronan O’Sullivan and the departure of infrastructure-focused Steven Bryan.Practice head(s):
Matthew Poxon; Jessamy Gallagher
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The Paul Hastings team takes a highly commercial approach to deals. Their deep sector specific expertise enables them to cut through the most complex legal matters quickly allowing for expedient and efficient deployment of resources. The team is extremely available, meaning that turnaround is quick and highly reactive to what can often be highly fluid circumstances.’
‘Matthew Poxon is extremely knowledgeable, with deep sector specific expertise. What differentiates him from competitors is his commercial acumen, which enables his clients to quickly and efficiently drive to tangible action. Matthew is extremely available which allows for a highly reactive response to what can often be a highly fluid environment.’
‘Very strong in large complex cross-border corporate transactions, including M&A, investments and joint ventures.’
‘David Prowse is a stand-out partner for us. He knows our business very well and always provides sensible, tailored and commercial-orientated advice. He is always available whenever you need him and highly responsive.’
‘This team are always quick to respond with sound and always very commercial advice. I have never dealt with a firm that is both excellent on the legal detail, but also strong on commercial perspective.’
‘Matthew Poxon is the best commercial and corporate lawyer I have ever dealt with. He is incredibly sharp on legal detail, but he is especially stand out on commercial rationale and thinking.’
‘The general quality of the individual lawyers is exceptional. The team of lawyers stand out for their capabilities, creativity and ability to think outside of the box.’
‘The team are always ultra-responsive and always go the extra mile to provide the highest quality client service. They have a deep industry knowledge and over the last couple of years have really developed their bench strength such that no matter who works on the transaction, the level of advice and support doesn’t dip. They always manage to quickly understand the task at hand and identify what the key issues are that matter to us as a client.’
Key clients
City Football Group
PineBridge Benson Elliot
Group 42
Symphony Technology Group
Cipriani Holdings
Heritage Group
Abercrombie & Kent
International Holding Company
Centerbridge
OpCapita
Basecamp
The Office Group
Work highlights
- Advised on the acquisition by Symphony Technology Group, a California-based private equity firm, of the commodities business of Brady Technologies Group, a global trading, risk and logistics software provider for the energy sector.
- Advised on the investment by G42 Investments AI Holding limited in NASDAQ-listed vTv Therapeutics Inc involving the acquisition of Class A Common Stock in vTv.
- Advised Theta Bidco Limited, a newly-incorporated company owned by International Holding Company and Tasheel, on its acquisition of Arena Events Group plc by way of scheme of arrangement.
Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans Tier 5
Employment > Employers Tier 6
Paul Hastings LLP is recommended for its cross-border capabilities, with the firm handling ongoing employment and HR advice, restructuring and employee transfer matters for multinational companies operating across jurisdictions. The team is led by Suzanne Horne, who is experienced in both litigious work and major international business reorganisation and integration projects. Associate Kirsty Devine is another name to note.Practice head(s):
Suzanne Horne
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Good knowledge of charity and employment law, friendly, professional, approachable, knowledgeable, taking the time to explain complex work’
‘Kirsty Devine displayed a high level of competency throughout.’
‘Suzanne Horne – A pleasure to deal with, thoughtful, creative, endlessly knowledgeable, and commercially very aware.’
‘Suzanne Horne is an individual I like very much to work with: – she’s efficient, clear and easy to work with.’
‘Paul Hastings has provided solid and timely advice to our organisation for many years. It is always timely, practical and delivered in client-friendly (and prompt) communication that always keeps our mission and identity in mind. They are my go-to firm for complex and executive employment matters in the UK.’
‘Suzanne Horne is fantastic; she is both knowledgeable and personable.’
Key clients
AIG Inc., AIG Financial Products Corp. and AIG Management France, S.A.
Intel Corporation
Boomi, Inc.
Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group Ltd
McAfee Enterprise (Musarubra US LLC)
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Uphold
The Bank of London
Avillion LLP
Masimo Corporation
World Vision International
Luzsana Biotechnology
Reef Technology, Inc.
Phantom Technologies, Inc.
Work highlights
- Defended AIG against claims that deferred compensation accounts of bankers in London were improperly reduced based on the losses that were sustained by an AIG subsidiary as a result of the financial crisis in 2008.
- Acted as lead advisers for employment, benefits and equity incentive matters relating to the acquisition of Codeplay by Intel.
- Advising Boomi Inc. on information and consultation obligations, offer letters, employment contracts, HR and data policies, employee benefits and the protection of IP and confidential information relevant to its global workforce of circa 1,300 employees in 29 jurisdictions.
Dispute resolution > International arbitration
Industry focus > TMT
Paul Hastings LLP > Firm Profile
Our lawyers provide the legal solutions and business insights necessary to help our clients navigate new paths to growth. We have advised on numerous complex domestic and cross-border deals and financings, as well as helping clients manage compliance risks and resolve sensitive disputes.
Over the past five years our London team has more than doubled in size, and we continue to significantly strengthen our global practices to better serve our clients’ evolving needs.
Our City office continues to positively contribute to the firm’s financial trajectory. We continue to build our reputation in London and strengthen our existing global practices with a series of strategic and prominent London hires, who have already delivered outstanding successes for our clients.
Critical to our success has been the strong fabric of our culture. We attract, retain and promote extraordinary talent; preeminent partners in their fields who are energetic, dynamic, and who share our commitment to our clients. We strive to excel in specialist areas and have concentrated our growth in London in practice specialisms that are accretive to our overall global strategy; these key practice areas include finance/structured credit, corporate M&A/real estate, restructuring, private/credit funds and private equity. Our dynamic and entrepreneurial work environment encourages our focus on building close client relationships and developing our talent in a diverse and inclusive way so we are seen as trusted advisors.
The London office plans to build on the blocks of success set down in recent years, continue growth in size, revenue, and per partner profits, and expand our reach in our core business areas with the strategic hire of exceptional partner talent. Our confidence in our London offering is reflected in the firm’s much-discussed move to the top floors on the elite new 100 Bishopsgate development in 2019, sharing the building with Jeffries, Royal Bank of Canada, and Freshfields.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
London Office Chair | Arun Birla | arunbirla@paulhastings.com | +44 (0) 20 3023 5176 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Ross Anderson | Ross Anderson is a partner in the Global Finance practice at Paul… | View Profile | |
Anu Balasubramanian | Anu Balasubramanian is a corporate partner at Paul Hastings. She leads our private… | View Profile | |
Roger Barron | Roger Barron is a partner in the London office of Paul Hastings. Mr.… | View Profile | |
Arun Birla | Arun Birla is the chair of the London office of Paul Hastings and… | View Profile | |
Jason Brooks | Jason Brooks is a partner in the Structured Credit practice at Paul Hastings… | View Profile | |
Steven Bryan | Steven Bryan is a Partner in the London office of Paul Hastings. Mr.… | View Profile | |
Konstantin Burkov | Konstantin Burkovis an associate in the London office of Paul Hastings. Mr.… | View Profile | |
Tom Cartwright | Tom Cartwright is a partner in the Private Equity practice at Paul Hastings… | View Profile | |
Rebecca Copcutt | Rebecca Copcutt is a partner in the Investigations and White Collar Defense… | View Profile | |
Ted Craig | Ted Craig is a partner in the Private Investment Funds practice, and is… | View Profile | |
Crispin Daly | Crispin Daly is an associate in the London office of Paul Hastings. | View Profile | |
Kirsty Devine | Kirsty Devine is an associate in the Employment practice at Paul Hastings and… | View Profile | |
Joanna Dimmock | Joanna Dimmock is a partner in the Investigations and White Collar Defense… | View Profile | |
Timothy Earle | Tim Earle is an associate in the Structured Finance practice at Paul Hastings… | View Profile | |
David Ereira | David Ereira is a partner in the Restructuring and Finance practice at Paul… | View Profile | |
Miles Flynn | Miles Flynn is a partner in the Real Estate Department in the London… | View Profile | |
Peter Hayes | Peter Hayes is a Finance partner, based in the Firm’s London office. Peter… | View Profile | |
Garrett Hayes | Garrett Hayes is a partner in the Corporate practice of the Paul Hastings… | View Profile | |
Edward Holmes | Edward Holmes is a partner in the leveraged finance practice of Paul Hastings and… | View Profile | |
Suzanne Horne | Suzanne Horne is a partner and head of the International Employment practice of… | View Profile | |
Abigail Hung | Abigail Hung is an associate in the Tax practice of Paul Hastings and… | View Profile | |
Michael James | Michael James is a partner in the Real Estate department of the Paul… | View Profile | |
Derwin Jenkinson | Derwin Jenkinson is a partner in the Energy and Infrastructure Finance practice, based… | View Profile | |
Fred Kelly | Fred Kelly is an associate in the Investigations and White Collar Defense practice… | View Profile | |
Dr Max Kirchner | Dr. Max Kirchner is a partner in the Securities and Capital Markets practice.… | View Profile | |
Richard Kitchen | Richard Kitchen’s practice focuses on general banking, alternative credit and international acquisition and… | View Profile | |
Alex Leitch | Alex Leitch is Head of the London Complex Litigation practice. Institutional clients and… | View Profile | |
Luke McDougall | Luke McDougall is a partner in the Finance and Leveraged Finance practices at… | View Profile | |
Edward Meadowcroft | Edward Meadowcroft is an associate in the Real Estate practice of Paul Hastings… | View Profile | |
Diala Minott | Diala Minott is a Structured Credit partner in the London office of Paul… | View Profile | |
Nina Moffatt | Nina Moffatt is an associate in the London office of Paul Hastings.… | View Profile | |
Victoria Morton | Victoria Morton is a partner in the London office of Paul Hastings.… | View Profile | |
Stephen Nicolas | Stephen Nicolas is a partner in the corporate Real Estate practice of… | View Profile | |
Mohamed Nurmohamed | Mo Nurmohamed is a co-chair of the Global Finance practice at Paul Hastings… | View Profile | |
Ronan O'Sullivan | Ronan O’Sullivan is one of the Managing Partners of Paul Hastings. Prior to… | View Profile | |
Christian Parker | Christian Parker is a Structured Credit partner in the London office of Paul… | View Profile | |
Matthew Peters | Matthew Peters is an associate in the Real Estate practice of Paul… | View Profile | |
Jonathan Pickworth | Jonathan Pickworth is Head of the London Investigations and White Collar Defense practice.… | View Profile | |
Matthew Poxon | Matthew Poxon is a partner in the Corporate practice of Paul Hastings and is… | View Profile | |
David Prowse | David Prowse is a partner in the corporate & practice of Paul Hastings… | View Profile | |
Charles Roberts | Charles Roberts is a senior counsel in the Paul Hastings London office. He… | View Profile | |
Cameron Saylor | Cameron Saylor is a partner in the Structured Credit practice at Paul Hastings… | View Profile | |
Paul Severs | Paul Severs is a partner in the Finance and Securities and Capital Markets… | View Profile | |
Michael Smith | Michael Smith is a Structured Credit partner in the London office of Paul… | View Profile | |
Arun Srivastava | Arun Srivastava is a partner in the London office of Paul Hastings. He… | View Profile | |
Jiten Tank | Jiten Tank is a Partner in the Tax practice of Paul Hastings and is based… | View Profile | |
Duncan Woollard | Duncan Woollard is a partner in the Private Funds practice at Paul Hastings… | View Profile |
Legal Briefings
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‘Spilling the Beans’
I have been advising employers and senior executives on whistleblowing issues for over 20 years. In fact, the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (‘PIDA’) came into force just as I qualified. In recent years, we’ve seen whistleblowing claims get significant global media coverage, and whistleblowers putting the spotlight on a wide range of illegal and …
- Finance > High yield
- Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure: M&A and acquisition financing
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Finance > Acquisition finance
- Finance > Securitisation
- Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure
- Risk advisory > Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates)
Firm Rankings
- Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions - mid-market deals (up to £250m)
- Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: white-collar crime (advice to individuals)
- Finance > Derivatives and structured products
- Investment fund formation and management > Fund finance
- Investment fund formation and management > Private funds
- Real estate > Commercial property: investment
- Real estate > Property finance
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Fintech
- Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory
- Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency
- Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity