A&O Shearman 'really does dominate the securitisation and structured real estate finance spaces, including bespoke structures in often unusual asset classes', and clients note that the lawyers are 'thoughtful, efficient and pragmatic in their solutions'. The firm's ten-partner group handles the full range of asset classes, though it has particular depth in whole business securitisations and corporate structured funding, including infrastructure and project bond-related work. Practice head Salim Nathoo recently acted for African Frontier Capital LLC in a $62m receivables financing transaction to provide capital to fund access to solar products to consumers living off-grid in Kenya. Key partner Lucy Oddy frequently advises financial institutions, funds, private equity firms and corporates on structured finance. Sally Onions assisted a global institutional alternative investment management firm as the seller and retention holder in a £2.1bn securitisation transaction backed by non-conforming owner-occupied and buy-to-let mortgages. Emerging partner talent Iona Misheva is adept in a variety of asset classes, among them commercial real estate, whole business, receivables and residential mortgage loans. Daniel Hill is recommended for public and private RMBS and covered bond transactions both in the UK and in Europe. Tim Conduit is 'particularly helpful and proactive' in receivables financing transactions. Franz Ranero is a key adviser on CLO transactions, and senior associate Tim Monahan is also highly recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Proactive, and interested in engaging with both their client banks and the other parties to the relevant agreements, to address key issues.'
'Tim Conduit is particularly helpful and proactive.'
‘A&O really does dominate the securitisation and SREF spaces. We use them extensively for bespoke structures in often unusual asset classes and they are thoughtful, efficient and pragmatic in their solutions.’
‘Our relationship partner is Iona Misheva. Whilst intensely pragmatic, Iona is an exceptionally gifted counsel backed up with the knowledge base of the broader A&O team. Whilst, A&O does have quite a deep bench, we often work with Enda Jordan at the Associate level who is probably the most gifted associate I've worked with - not only is he particularly good at actively listening, but he invariably drafts as required at the first time of asking.’
‘An excellent team, strong partners supported by strong associates.’
‘Sally Onions in particular is exceptional, and is our go-to when we need to resolve a complex a transaction and complete at speed.’
‘The team fills us with confidence - they are at the very top of their game, always available for their clients, with outstanding depth of knowledge and experience.’
‘Salim Nathoo is a technically unrivalled lawyer who knows his practice and his clients' business inside out.’
‘In-depth knowledge of our business is better that any other law firm we use; unflappable; they have experienced how to tackle any issue we bring them - and more besides; down to earth; available; realistic at the outset on timetable to transactions - if they can achieve it they will; honest; reliable. They always deliver to budget.’
‘In-depth knowledge, massively experienced, down to earth, available. A great team.’
Key clients
- Yorkshire Building Society (YBS)
- Principality Building Society (PBS)
- African Frontier Capital (Mauritius) LLC (AFC)
- CarVal
- Bank of Scotland PLC
- Bain Capital, Fortress Investment Group
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
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.
Salim Nathoo