Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

• ‘The team provides concise and accurate advice. It is rare to find legal counsels who are both commercial and experts in their field. Tom Smith is brilliant! He is always on point and an effective negotiator who is great with giving concise and accurate advice. Daniel Hoborough is one of the best associates I've worked. He is detail-oriented, patient and gets things done.’

• ‘Tom Smith and Alex Bell are excellent. Their attention to detail, prompt action and efficient resolution to queries is impressive.’

• ‘This team, led by Tom Smith, is extremely knowledgeable on the market, collaborative in their approach, focused on achieving solutions for complex issues for their clients and extremely commercial. Tom Smith is definitely one of the best fund finance partners in the City. He has a collaborative and commercial approach to every transaction. He is very responsive and involved in every aspect of the deal, guides his clients through complex issues and to a position where both sides feel the outcome is fair. Tom intelligently and reasonably walks through issues and is a pleasure to work with.’

• ‘The Debevoise team deliver quality work in an efficient manner with a focus on providing accurate and up to date advice. Tom Smith is a great partner with deep experience in NAV financing. His leveraged finance background means he brings a different lens to the work than others in the space. Almas Daud is a very strong associate and capable of leading deals.’

• ‘Debevoise have a great fund finance team. They push to make sure things are done on time and take the much of the pressure off the client. Their knowledge is second to none. Over the last 12 months, I've reached out to Tom Smith and Almas Daud on a number of topics. 2023 has been challenging on many fronts and I always appreciate D&P's commentary and counsel to help navigate these interesting times.’

• ‘Debevoise & Plimpton has a first-class investment funds finance practice that impresses with its unparalleled knowledge of the industry, solutions focused advice and round the clock service. Our team works with the excellent lawyers Pierre Maugue, Christine Gilleland and Anna Moore, who are sharp, helpful and very user-friendly.’

• ‘A commercially focused and high quality team that has strong breadth across the associate pool and highly experienced partners. Tom Smith has a track record of being a thought leader in the fund finance space, spearheading new initiatives such as ESG margin ratchets and hybrid facilities. A number of his associates are very strong including Felix Paterson, Gregg Young and Almas Daud.’

• 'A very strong team in the NAV and fund financing space, with a renowned reputation in top-of-the market deals. Tom Smith is an excellent lawyer with a strong track record in NAV and fund financing. He is both a good adversary and collaborator in this space and we value his presence in the market.'

• 'An extremely strong team and very knowledgeable in the fund finance space. In terms of borrower side representation, Debevoise seems to be the leading firm in the London market.' Tom Smith is our key contact at Debevoise for finance matters. Tom is constantly available and strives to deliver the best result for his clients. We’ve known Tom a long time, so he knows our business. In our view, he is the leading fund finance lawyer in Europe. Andrea Thomas is a key player on all our recent financing matters.'

• 'The team offers expert knowledge, is well-organised and efficient and the best all-rounded fund finance team in the city. Tom Smith is an expert in his field, and hands on during deals. He gives you 100% confidence during any negotiation. Almas Daud is an incredible and talented associate who is destined for great things in the industry. He is responsive and considered.'

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