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.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'They provide cost-effective, dynamic, solutions-oriented and client-focused advice.'
  • 'The depth of knowledge across many pillars including deal structuring and restructuring is second-to-none.'
  • 'They have excellent bench strength in London and regionally.'
  • 'Mike Davison is a quality leader and individual who is well connected and has extensive knowledge in the sector.'
  • 'Harold Brako is an industry authority in the ABL world.'
  • 'The tenacious and knowledgeable Anna Hodgson is outstanding on the restructuring side and offers a commercial and common sense approach.'
  • 'Lauren Priest-Stephens is very diligent and responsive.'
  • 'The impressive Kayleigh Brady is already one of the best “up and coming” associates in the sector.'

Key clients

  • PNC Bank NA / PNC Business Credit
  • BNP Paribas
  • Secure Trust Bank
  • HSBC UK Bank plc
  • FGI Worldwide LLC
  • Leumi UK Group Limited
  • ABN AMRO
  • Close Brothers
  • No Ordinary Designer Label Limited (t/a Ted Baker London)
  • Santander Bank/Commercial Finance
  • AIB Commercial Finance
  • Metro Bank
  • Blazehill Capital

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
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.

Mike Davison

Other key lawyers

James Tarleton, Harold Brako, Andrew Fordham, Anna Hodgson, Lauren Priest-Stephens, Peter Smartt, Philippa McCarthy, Batsho Nthoi, Andrew Reeves, Kayleigh Brady