Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP 's excellent Parisian team seamlessly combines forces with the firm’s other international offices to handle complex cross-border and pan-European work. The practice impresses by its high-level securitisation expertise, advising leading banks and originators on large auto loan, leasing and RMBS transactions. The highly regarded Sharon Lewis and the excellent Laura Asbati  are absolute references in the abovementioned area. Additionally, Katia Merlini is also a strong name for derivatives work, advising many leading French and international banks. Counsels Reza Mulligan, Ailsa Davies   and Julie Toux  provide strong support.  

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Close-knit team. People contribute to solving problems, wherever they are located and respond professionally and constructively to questions related to specificities in their jurisdiction. Good pan-European expertise of this team, able to provide innovative solutions on certain subjects, particularly ESG’.
  • ‘Katia Merlini is exceptional, an outstanding lawyer. Sharon Lewis has perfect knowledge of law and of her clients.
  • ‘This team is very rigorous and attentive. Management is very attentive to the client and their constraints. They intervene appropriately when they think that discussion points are necessary. Day-to-day relations are fluid and efficient. Knowledge of securitization operations is very high (well above average). The quality of deliverables is excellent.’
  • ‘Laura Asbati is particularly professional. She is always available and reacts very quickly and efficiently. Her advice has proven to be excellent.’
  • ‘Laura Asbati is an extremely experienced lawyer and precise in her interventions.’
  • ‘A dedicated team specialising in securitization that has extensive knowledge of laws and regulatory aspects. They know how to manage complex projects within tight deadlines. It is always a pleasure to work with them.’
  • ‘Laura Asbati is clearly a high-caliber professional in her field, known and highly respected by her peers and clients for her work. Julie Toux demonstrates exceptional dedication and professionalism.’
  • ‘A high-performing team, with excellent mastery & knowledge of securitisation and structured financing.’

Key clients

  • Ayvens (Société Générale Group)
  • Banco Santander
  • BofA Securities Europe
  • Boursorama (Société Générale Group)
  • Compagnie Générale de Location d’Equipements (Société Générale Group)
  • Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring (Crédit Agricole Group)
  • Credit Agricole Investment and Corporate Bank
  • Edmond de Rothschild (France)
  • France Titrisation
  • HSBC Continental Europe
  • ING Bank N.V.
  • Société Générale
  • Stellantis Bank
  • UniCredit Bank

Work highlights

  • Advised HSBC Continental Europe as Arranger and Joint Lead Manager, ING Bank N.V. as Joint Lead Manager and Banco Santander, S.A. as Joint Lead Manager on CREDIPAR's new public STS and ECB eligible auto loan securitisation transaction (Auto ABS French Loans 2024).
  • Advised Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring (“CAL&F") as originator and Servicer and LixxBail as Seller on CAL&F’s inaugural public STS and ECB eligible securitisation of a portfolio of French professional equipment lease receivables arranged by Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank.
  • Advised Edmond de Rothschild (France) as Issuer, Arranger and Dealer in relation to the derivative-linked provisions for embedded derivatives of their structured debt issuance program governed by English law and approved by the regulator in Luxembourg.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Julie Toux
Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Sharon Lewis, Katia Merlini, Laura Asbati, Vincent Fidelle

Other key lawyers

Ailsa Davies, Reza Mulligan, Julie Toux