Walkers has a highly rated practice in CMBS and CLOs, and is also at the forefront of insurance linked securities (ILS) and catastrophe bonds. The department is also highly regarded for handling securitisations and significant risk transfer (SRT) issues. Andrew Traynor brings over 20 years of experience in structured finance and securitisation work, notably in risk transfer transactions and bank capital management matters. Ian McNamee is another key figure in securitisation work, and Noeleen Ruddy and Paddy Rath are singled out for their expertise in CLOs.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Very knowledgeable, reliable, solid expertise, proactive in running independently with counter law firms.’

  • ‘We regularly work with Walkers to advise on issues related to Irish counterparties, as well as for issues affecting an Irish affiliate of ours. Their ability to provide comprehensive, holistic, thoughtful and prompt advice is a distinguishing feature of their practice area.’

  • ‘Andrew Traynor has regularly been the primary advisor we've turned to. He has been responsive, thoughtful, clear and commercial and it has led to a very helpful advisory relationship.’

  • ‘The individuals are easy to work with and committed to delivering.’

  • ‘Very broad client base, which enables them to provide good industry standard advice.’

  • ‘All outstanding individuals.’

  • ‘Very responsive, commercial and helpful with great knowledge of the market. They know the product area very well and our business and are great to deal with.’

  • ‘We have a consistently good experience with Paddy Rath. He provides commercial advice and is extremely responsive.'

Key clients

  • Acer Tree Investment Management
  • Accunia
  • Aeon CRE UK 1 Designated Activity Company
  • Albacore Capital LLP
  • Apex Corporate Trustees (UK) Limited
  • Apollo Management
  • Ares Capital Management
  • Avia Solutions Group
  • Banco Santander
  • Banco Santander Totta
  • Bank of America Merrill Lynch
  • Bank of America Europe DAC
  • Bank of America N.A.
  • Barclays Bank
  • Barings
  • Bench Walk Advisors
  • Bridgepoint Management
  • Cairn Loan Management
  • Citibank
  • Creditshelf AG
  • Deutsche Bank
  • Five Arrows (Rothschild)
  • Hertz Global Holdings Inc.
  • HSBC Bank plc

Work highlights

  • Advised Standard Chartered Bank on a €1.5bn portfolio securitisation.
  • Assisted with over 20 CLO transactions, collectively valued at over €8bn.
  • Advised Volkswagen Financial Services on its first securitisation in the Polish market.

Lawyers

Leading partners: Capital markets: Debt
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners: Capital markets: Debt
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Andrew Traynor, Noeleen Ruddy

Other key lawyers

Ian McNamee, Paddy Rath