Sidley Austin LLP
Sidley Austin LLP 'consistently delivers an extremely professional and rigorous service reflective of the vast knowledge and expertise they have in the field of securitisation'. 'Extremely intelligent, commercially savvy' head of global finance Rupert Wall is widely regarded as a leading expert on securitisation and the team he leads 'provides a tailored approach and understands deeply the intricacies of transactions'. He worked with senior managing associate Azeem Sulemanji and managing associate Rebecca Chambers to assist CVC Credit as collateral manager with more than €1.2bn in new issuance of public European CLOs, including the €400m Cordatus 25 deal. Beyond the CLO space, he also acted for Finland's leading auto leasing business, Lahi Tapiola, on two STS auto loan securitisations with a total value in excess of €1bn. Senior counsel Nick Brittain is particularly active in asset-backed commercial paper conduits, his recent work including the establishment of a platform for Barclays Bank. Up-and-coming partner Emilie Stewart focuses on structured real estate transactions and NPL financings. One client remarks that 'there is a low turnover, so you really get to know the people giving you advice and trust that they know the ins and outs of your business'.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'We consider Sidley to be one of the leading securitisation legal teams and have utilised their services over a significant number of years. The team consistently delivers an extremely professional and rigorous service reflective of the vast knowledge and expertise they have in the field of securitisation.'
- 'Sidley have acted for us as lender counsel on several bilateral securitisation financings. They are unique in that they are a relatively small team with highly qualified and diverse expertise. The team act for both sponsors and lenders, and in a variety of asset classes. Therefore we find they provide a tailored approach and understand deeply the intricacies of the transaction of the transaction and are able to approach issues from first principles.'
- 'Rupert Wall has thoroughly impressed us with his exceptional qualities - responsiveness, extensive knowledge and cross-practice expertise. He has always sought to achieve the best position for us on transactions, and is very eloquent in defending our position which leads to the best outcome.'
- 'The team has extensive experience and an in depth knowledge of the nuances of the securitisation industry. They are very approachable, quickly responsive to queries and requests for viewpoints, opinion and consultation. They go beyond expectations on the work they do.'
- 'Rupert Wall is extremely intelligent, commercially savvy, has great experience in the securitisation market and can provide compelling advice at a moment's notice.'
- 'In my opinion, this practice stands out by the quality of both its partners and associates and by the availability of its partners. It should also be commended for a significant improvement to the diversity of the team in recent years.'
- 'Rebecca Chambers is fantastic. She's quick to provide feedback, draws on the practice's resources when required and is proactive and ensuring a successful close to each transaction. Rupert Wall, is very experienced and rounded but most importantly is always available and ready to help out when needed.'
- 'Rupert Wall is friendly, commercial and solutions-oriented, without sacrificing on the highest level of knowledge and expertise. Ellina Zinatullina is starting to rise above the pack with her drive and dedication.'
Key clients
- CVC Credit
- Permira Credit
- Spire Partners
- Oaktree Capital Management
- Polar Asset Management
- Zurich Insurance
- Investec Bank PLC
- LahiTapiola
- Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM)
- Jaja Finance
- Zenith
- Barclays Bank PLC
- Intermediate Capital Group PLC (ICG)
- 1Sharpe Capital
Work highlights
- Represented CVC Credit as collateral manager counsel on over EUR1.2bn in issuance of public European CLOs in 2022.
- Acting for ICG on all of its asset-backed securitised fund lending transactions in Europe.
- Advised Lahi Tapiola, a large Finnish insurance company and auto finance originator on each of their public, STS auto securitisations to come to market.
Lawyers
Leading individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Rupert Wall