Baker McKenzie acts as both issuer and underwriter counsel in cross-border transactions, frequently involving emerging markets. Its work in Africa, Turkey and Eastern Europe stands out. Chair of the global capital markets group Adam Farlow provides 'clear advice on challenging and complex situations'. He recently acted for a Polish bank in the establishment of a €5bn EMTN programme. Megan Schellinger, who focuses on US private placements, trustee specialist Simon Porter, and US-qualified Charles Farnsworth, who 'fights the client's corner when other lawyers have different views', are key members of the practice. Roy Pearce left the firm in late 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Client service is really at the heart of the Bakers DCM practice. Key partners are always available to address difficult questions with both clients and other advisers. Great diversity within the team. They're all a pleasure to work with.’

  • ‘Adam Farlow is an expert in his field, providing clear advice on challenging and complex situations, and is supported by a strong bench of associates.’

  • 'We have a few law firms that work with us on deals and Bakers is one of them and a go-to law practice for us too. Worked with them for many years and with the same individuals and we know what to expect in regards to their ability, openness, level of work and we feel comfortable working with them and would recommend them to others. However in our line of work, we don't tend to recommend law firms to other parties, but we would if we could.'

  • 'Our main contact is Charles Farnsworth who we've worked with for many years. He know the sector very well, knows our wants and needs in regard to documentation and fights our corner when other lawyers have different views.'

  • ‘Strong knowledge of Eastern European market and its specifics.’

  • ‘Adam Farlow is an exceptional partner, always there to help, even outside working hours and delivers sound solutions to the problematic matters. Adam's commercial awareness is exceptional.’

Key clients

  • Akbank
  • Ardshinbank
  • Bank of America
  • Bank of Georgia
  • Bank Pekao S.A.
  • Barclays
  • BNP Paribas
  • BNY Mellon Corporate Trustee Services Limited (as trustee) and TMF Trustee Limited (as security agent)
  • Biocartis Group NV
  • Citi
  • Credit Suisse
  • Deutsche Bank / Deutsche Trustee Company Limited
  • EquipmentShare.com Inc.
  • Georgia Capital
  • GLAS Trust Company
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Harley-Davidson Financial Services Incorporated (HDFS)
  • HSBC
  • J.P. Morgan
  • Mizuho
  • Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC
  • MUFG Securities EMEA plc
  • PNC Capital Markets LLC
  • Standard Chartered
  • Société Générale
  • TBC Bank
  • Türkiye Wealth Fund
  • UBS AG
  • U.S. Bank Trustees Limited
  • V.F. Corporation

Work highlights

  • Advised Türkiye Wealth Fund on its debut Eurobond.
  • Acted for Akbank T.A.Ş. on the issuance of its inaugural Basel III compliant Additional Tier 1 notes.
  • Acted for Harley Davidson Financial Services Incorporated in relation to the issuance of EUR 700 million senior guaranteed notes due 5 April 2026.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Adam Farlow

Other key lawyers

Megan Schellinger, Simon Porter, Charles Farnsworth