Linklaters LLP fields a team praised for its ‘excellent knowledge of the sector that they operate in.’ Banking partner Philip Gore is the lead partner on high-profile REF transactions, development financing and mezzanine-level portfolio transactions, and co-heads the department alongside ’unparalleled professional’ Scott Simpson, a top specialist in senior/mezzanine, distressed and special situations, and Jessica Jenner, who joined the group from Ashurst in September 2022. Newly appointed partner James Godfrey is involved in all facets of investment and development lending.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent team led by Scott Simpson. They have done a multitude of large, complicated deals for us in the last year. Scott is technically very strong and very commercial minded. He and his team get things done in the UK and across the continent. The team is expanding and emerging as one of the best in the market.’
‘The Linklaters real estate finance team have excellent knowledge of the sector that they operate in. Particularly worth noting is their expertise in senior/mezzanine financing transactions, where they have impressive knowledge of market norms. They are highly responsive and offer quality client service.’
‘Phil Gore is an excellent real estate finance lawyer. He offers clear and pragmatic advice, paired with strong technical knowledge. He is responsive, commercial and a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Knowledgeable, pragmatic and able to stand their ground just based on reputation.’
‘Linklaters has tremendous depth of experience in the EU market. That experience informs practical approaches to solving problems, which clients appreciate. They are a team that gets things done, hits deadlines and does not complain. They are all about client service.’
‘Scott Simpson is an unparalleled professional. He’s a trusted advisor who knows how to manage difficult situations and counterparties. He never loses his cool and pushes to the finish line. Scott does the hard work and makes it look easy. He is generous with his resources, being willing to invest in his client’s long term success.’
‘Phil Gore - extremely responsive and hands-on, always available to discuss transactions and provide advice.’
‘The team recently added Jess Jenner to the ranks, who brings a wealth of experience from her long career at Ashurst. Jess Jenner is incredibly committed to ensuring that clients are well serviced.’
Key clients
- Apollo Global Management
- M&G Investments
- Goldman Sachs
- Bank of America
- King Street Capital Management
- Royal Bank of Canada
- Citigroup
- LaSalle Investment Management
- Wells Fargo
- Allianz
- OakNorth Bank
- Sculptor Capital Management
- Cale Street Partners
- Nuveen
- AustralianSuper
- Macquarie
- Prologis
- Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies
Work highlights
- Acted for funds advised by Cale Street Partners LLP as lenders in respect of the financing for the acquisition of the property known as the Fenwick Department Store on Bond Street, London.
- Advised Apollo (as senior lenders) and Carlyle, Crosstree and Precis (as mezzanine lenders) on a £770 million-plus financing package that will provide the expected funding necessary for full completion of One Nine Elms development.
- Acted for the borrowers on completion of a £1bn facility to refinance and consolidate a number of existing facilities secured against certain investment assets at the King’s Cross Estate.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Scott Simpson, Jessica Jenner, Philip Gore