Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP

The 'extremely knowledgeable' team at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP provides 'creative and very strategic' advice to stakeholders from all levels of the capital structure across the full scope of restructuring work, ranging from fully consensual restructurings to contentious insolvencies. Much of the work is of a cross-border nature, with clients benefitting from the firm's deep knowledge, not only of UK restructuring tools but also European processes, often running parallel processes for clients. Another strength is the firm's contentious capabilities, which not only manifest themselves in formal litigation but also at the front end of a deal, thereby providing an effective level of risk management. Ken Baird's own practice is reflective of the scope of work handled by the team as a whole, being as comfortable advising debtors in balance sheet restructurings and formal insolvencies as he is advising lenders as creditors on mandates. Catherine Balmond is another key member of the team that has vast experience for creditors and debtors on matters involving complex capital structures. Drawing upon 'a deep knowledge of the law and legal trends', Craig Montgomery is an 'excellent litigator' and has been particularly valuable of late as a result of the proliferation of court challenges to restructuring plans and other processes. Richard Tett co-heads the team alongside Baird.