Paul Hastings LLP > London, England > Firm Profile

Paul Hastings LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Finance > High yield Tier 1

Paul Hastings LLP has 'a very strong and high-quality high yield deal team', led by the vastly experienced Patrick Bright. The firm has grown its team in recent years, with Alexander Horstmann-Caines and counsel Jemma Lohr McPherson following Bright from his previous firm in 2022 to join Maximilian Kirchner, a key adviser to investment banks, multinational companies and private equity sponsors, and up-and-coming talent Edward Holmes, who is particularly active in the sponsor and acquisition financing space. Although high-profile partner Peter Schwartz took a team to join King & Spalding LLP in early 2024, the firm continues to be a major presence in the leveraged finance market, and it frequently handles private equity sponsor-backed high yield financings alongside Term Loan B and private credit deals. Although it is primarily creditor-focused, the London group also acts for private equity sponsors and corporate issuers in new issuances, as well as restructuring and liability management exercises, including bond buybacks and exchange offers.

Finance > Acquisition finance Tier 2

Despite recently losing rainmaking banking lawyer Luke McDougall to Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP in May 2024, the ‘very knowledgeable’ team at Paul Hastings LLP still has the critical mass and expertise to handle a tremendous volume and range of mandates in the market for a lender-focused client base, having built up its loans and capital markets offering over the last two years with some marquee hires. Now led by ‘very smooth operators’ Ross Anderson and Mohamed Nurmohamed, the team maintains a stellar client list of leading banks which are appreciative of its ability to provide ‘commercial and well-balanced advice’ on jumbo deals, through its experience of English and New York law products and ability to work on widely syndicated TLBs, high-yield bond mandates and unitranche solutions. In addition, the team is abreast of the flourishing private credit market, with the ‘excellent’ Karan Chopra particularly noted for his work in the space. Reena Gogna joined the team in August 2024 from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, bringing her expertise in debt restructurings and senior debt financings.

Finance > Securitisation Tier 2

Paul Hastings LLP has a deep bench of securitisation partners who exhibit particular prowess in the CLO market, in which the firm is one of the most prominent players. The practice is led by real estate finance partner Miles Flynn, CLO specialist Cameron Saylor, and market veteran Paul Severs, who has been in the securitisation market since it was first developed in the UK and Europe. He is currently advising a fund on the proposed sale of a mortgage company and its separation from a group holding £8bn in securitised assets, The team is boosted by the broad-ranging experience of Diala Minott, whose CLO expertise sees her act for many of the largest fund managers in Europe, though she has a particular focus on US managers developing European strategies. Victoria Morton is noted for RMBS and loan portfolio acquisitions, while structured credit specialist James Baillie handles CLOs. Restructuring expert Mei Lian has extensive experience in the Greek securitisation market. In mid-2024, the firm hired CLO specialist Brian Maher from Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP.

Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure Tier 2

The hospitality and leisure offering at Paul Hastings LLP draws on wider finance, banking and employment capabilities, with recent highlights including buy-side advice on lucrative acquisitions in the London hotel market. The team is chaired by Michael James, 'a trustworthy adviser' whose broad remit covers structured acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures, real estate finance, fund investments, and hotel acquisitions and operations. The 'go-to' Stephen Nicolas is noted for his high calibre real estate work, while Edward Meadowcroft's focus spans structured acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures, real estate finance, fund investments, hotel acquisitions and operations.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure: M&A and acquisition financing Tier 2

Paul Hastings LLP is engaged by a stellar roster of domestic and international clients, handling a diverse array of transactional mandates across power, utilities, energy, and transport, as well as both the digital and social infrastructure sectors. The practice is co-led by Jessamy Gallagher, a highly experienced transactional partner renowned for her work on high-value, cross-border M&A deals. Stuart Rowson, a seasoned finance specialist, is equally distinguished for his expertise in multi-sourced debt platforms and complex portfolio financings. Other key figures include Candice Lambeth, noted for her capabilities in infrastructure M&A and private equity transactions, and Alistair McKechnie, a go-to adviser for infrastructure and acquisition finance, serving both sponsors and leading financial institutions.

Risk advisory > Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates) Tier 2

The investigations and white-collar defence offering at Paul Hastings LLP acts for leading manufacturers, media corporations, tech companies, and clients in the financial sector. ‘Superb lawyer and brilliant leader‘ Jonathan Pickworth heads up the team and focuses on AML, tax evasion, fraud, and corruption matters. Pickworth works alongside Joanna Dimmock, noted for her expertise in international corruption, cartels, extradition, and sanctions issues, and Morgan Miller, who splits his time between the firm’s London and Washington DC offices. Arun Srivastava is a key name for regulatory issues. Former prosecutor Stuart Alford KC joined from Latham & Watkins in February 2024, strengthening the firm’s global investigations offering. Other core members of the team include Tom Hickey, who handles internal investigations, and experienced litigator Adina Ezekiel. Rebecca Copcutt left the team in April 2023.

Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions - mid-market deals (up to £500m) Tier 3

Leveraging the transactional prowess of its US counterparts, in addition to tax, competition and antitrust expertise from its wider European platform, Paul Hastings LLP regularly handles sponsor-led M&A, with demonstrable strength in infrastructure and real estate-related deals. The team is chaired by Anu Balasubramanian, whose regular workload includes high-value acquisitions, investment deals, and venture capital deals. Other key names to note include Jamie Holdoway, who is well-regarded for his buyouts practice, working with variety of funds active in both the large and mid-cap European markets.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: white-collar crime (advice to individuals) Tier 3

The investigations and white-collar defence team at Paul Hastings LLP maintains a strong offering with notable strength in cross-border matters. Leveraging the firm’s network of international offices, the team routinely handles investigations both in the UK and overseas. Described by clients as a ‘visionary thinker and strategist‘, Jonathan Pickworth oversees the practice; Pickworth acts for both individuals and corporations in bet-the-company investigations and proceedings, handling tax evasion, fraud, corruption, and money laundering matters. The ‘tenacious‘ Joanna Dimmock stands out for her extensive expertise in international corruption, cartel, sanctions, and extradition issues. Dimmock and Pickworth are ably assisted by Tom Hickey on cartel, bribery, and fraud cases before the SFO and DOJ. Stuart Alford KC joined the practice from Latham & Watkins in February 2024, while Rebecca Copcutt left the team in 2023.

Finance > Derivatives and structured products Tier 3

Best known for its CLO practice, Paul Hastings LLP also has a strong flow of derivatives and structured products work, and it is praised for its ‘great client care skills, and excellent technical knowledge‘. Practice head Jason Brooks, who is ‘a superstar – highly responsive, commercially minded and very bright‘, is leading the firm’s push into derivative-linked and asset-based securities work for investment and retail banks, financial institutions, and corporates. The firm’s work on bespoke structured vehicles includes a high-profile risk retention fund practice built by Christian Parker and Cameron Saylor, who frequently act for large private equity clients.

Industry focus > TMT Tier 3

Paul Hastings LLP continues to attract a number of new clients, including some of the world’s largest social media platforms, payment platforms, and stock exchanges. The team regularly advises on financing and investment deals, multijurisdictional litigation, product development, and the full range of IP issues, including enforcement. Described by one client as ‘a true star’, the team is co-headed by Jason Raeburn, whose advice runs the full gamut of technology and IP issues including, AI-related work. Anu Balasubramanian, who co-heads the team, is noted for her expertise in private equity, advising on some of the largest tech-related M&A deals.

Investment fund formation and management > Private funds Tier 3

Paul Hastings LLP is a major player in the credit fund arena, acting for some of the most significant credit managers in the market. Another distinguishing factor of the firm is its well-respected risk retention practice and CLO capabilities. Diala Minott is a key name for matters concerning regulated and unregulated credit and debt funds. High-profile market players often turn to Duncan Woollard for his broad expertise on all fund-related matters. Christian Parker is a leading name in the risk retention fund space.

Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 3

With experienced practitioners in a range of jurisdictions, Paul Hastings LLP supports clients based and operating across Europe. Michael James is the head of the practice and is experienced in structured acquisitions and disposals across Europe. Stephen Nicolas is well-versed in residential and hotels asset classes. Edward Meadowcroft and Matthew Peters are also of note within the team, experienced in acquisitions and disposals, corporate restructurings, joint ventures and corporate real estate.

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 4

The team at Paul Hastings LLP handles a broad range of matters, from SFDR, AIFMD, Taxonomy Regulation and MiFID II compliance to ESG affairs and the financial services regulatory aspects of multi-jurisdictional M&A transactions. Practice leader Arun Srivastava showcases demonstrable experience in fintech arena, in addition to advising clients on cross-border product and services offerings across the EU. Other key contacts in the group include Nina Moffatt and Konstantin Burkov, who acts for EU and US clients on new EU sustainability initiatives, including the SFDR and Taxonomy Regulation, MiFID II and AIFMD.

Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 4

In step with the firm’s overarching growth in the finance sector in recent years, the ‘very diligent and responsive’ team at Paul Hastings LLP is an important resource to a variety of banks, funds and corporates for stressed and distressed restructuring and investment opportunities. Much of the work is multi-jurisdictional, with the team often working alongside its colleagues in Europe and the US to provide a fluid and holistic service to clients, irrespective of geographical boundaries. In this regard, Helena Potts is recognised as ‘a superb specialist in English and cross-border restructurings’, and is noted for her work across formal and informal restructuring processes. The ‘excellent’ Mei Lian reflects the firm’s transactional approach to work in the space and excels at handling complex mandates often involving financial products throughout the capital structure. Lian co-heads the team alongside William Needham, who recently joined the firm from KKR where he was head of European restructuring. Crispin Daly advises on cross-border administrations.

Investment fund formation and management > Fund finance Tier 4

Real estate > Property finance Tier 4

‘Highly responsive, tough but fair, commercial, partner-led’, the team at Paul Hastings LLP draws praise from both borrowers and lenders, who turn to the group for assistance regarding the acquisition, development, and redevelopment of residential, build-to-rent, and hospitality real estate assets in the UK. Described by one client as someone who ‘uniquely understands the needs of investors and lenders’, practice head Miles Flynn is experienced in loan origination and loan-on-loan financing transactions. Rehan Hanif - who joined the firm from Kirkland & Ellis LLP in August 2023 - is experienced in both European financing and Islamic financing work.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 5

Paul Hastings LLP‘s tax expertise extends to advising on M&A, establishing credit fund structures, and advising on securitisations, among other matters. Arun Birla, an expert in international tax, co-leads the department alongside Jiten Tank, whose practice covers M&A, private equity transactions, and corporate and financial restructurings. Michael Ward joined from A&O Shearman in August 2023, and brings strength in capital markets matters. Jee Yoon Chung and Abigail Hung are key names.

Corporate and commercial > M&A: Upper Mid-Market And Premium Deals, £750m+ Tier 5

Praised for its ‘strong technical support and advice’, the ‘proactive and pragmatic’ team at Paul Hastings LLP advises clients on the full spectrum of deals, including public and private M&A. The ‘outstanding’ practice head Matthew Poxon is sought out by clients in relation to M&A transactions, particularly concerning public companies. Jessamy Gallagher is noted for her focus on international public and private M&A in the infrastructure, energy, and real assets markets, while David Prowse is a key port of call for UAE-based institutions.

Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans Tier 5

Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 5

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 6

Paul Hastings LLP has ‘suddenly become a significant player in the global arbitration market’. In March 2023, the London office recruited Garreth Wong, as global co-head of the firm’s international arbitration practice. Wong, who ‘has significant experience in the international arbitration sector’, arrived from legacy firm Shearman & Sterling LLP. In March 2024, Wong was joined by former Latham & Watkins partner Oliver Browne, whose track record includes proceedings under the auspices of leading arbitral institutions, as well as on an ad hoc basis.

Employment > Employers Tier 6

Suzanne Horne spearheads the practice at Paul Hastings LLP, which frequently advises employers on a variety of complex employment litigation in employment tribunals and in the High Court. It is skilled at handling multi-jurisdictional projects. These projects include advising on business reorganisations, integrations, and redundancies, in addition to hiring and firing. The group often supports its PE, M&A and real estate finance departments on transactions.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: mid-market