John McGrath
Dechert LLPDechert LLP is a prominent adviser to fund managers on derivatives, though it handles both buy-side and sell-side work. The department acts for investment banks, commercial banks, private equity funds and credit funds in structured finance matters. Fund formation specialist Gus Black, who is co-chair of the firm’s global financial services group, oversees the work of key partners John McGrath, whose work encompasses the enforcement and restructuring of derivatives, securitisations and other structured financings, and Karen Stretch, who focuses on transactional and regulatory derivatives matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Dechert’s derivatives team is well resourced with knowledgeable experts in the UK and the US and has good links with local experts in other European jurisdictions (eg. Switzerland) when we need local regulatory advice.'
'There is a good balance within the team between experienced technical lawyers and more junior staff, as well as PSL lawyers support. Consequently, Dechert’s derivatives team are able to deliver timely, commercially-focused and tailored advice at a competitive rate.’
‘Karen Stretch is personable, very hard-working and diligent, as well as an excellent technical expert. She is well respected by all members of our legal team who focus on derivatives and regulatory work. We can trust Karen to advise on any regulatory point relating to derivatives, including the most recent developments.'
'Karen Stretch has been proactive in raising new legal and regulatory points, which are relevant to our business, giving us the opportunity to review the information and ask questions, which has been very helpful.'
‘Karen Stretch and the team are very responsive at putting in place the legal documentation required, hold regular catch up meetings to ensure items are progressing in a timely fashion.’
‘Karen Stretch is very proactive at ensuring items are progressing and also providing us with guidance to ensure the correct approach is taken.’
‘Richard Chapman, is collaborative when working with him, I have complete trust that he has been thorough and approached with the best interest of our business. He goes the extra mile, highlighting aspects that we should consider outside of the standard legal advice.'
‘The team has a partnership approach with clients, commercially minded, detailed and thorough in their advice and guidance. Dechert's are focused on the long term client relationship.’
Key clients
- Fondazione Enasarco
- Cheyne Capital Management (UK) LLP
Work highlights
- Acting for Fondazione Enasarco in its long-running dispute with Lehman Brothers Finance SA (the Swiss Lehman Brothers entity) concerning the close out of a derivative transaction within one of the most complex structured products to be considered by the English courts.
- Continued to work closely with the Cheyne Capital Management (UK) LLP team on a range of derivatives, trading and related regulatory matters.
Lawyers
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.
Karen Stretch
Dechert LLPPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Gus Black