Next Generation Partners

Leading Associates

Banking and finance in East Anglia

Birketts LLP

The banking and finance practice at Birketts LLP exhibits 'an unparalleled blend of industry-specific knowledge, forward-thinking strategies, and a client-focused approach'. Cambridge-based practice head Alex Schaafsma leads an 'agile team that brings City firm nous, expertise and experience to a smaller firm'. He frequently advises on regulatory matters and counts major lenders such as Lloyds Bank and HSBC among his clients. The firm also has a strong base of borrower clients, among them corporates, developers, and councils. Senior associates Kathryn Palmer in Cambridge and Lottie Fletcher in Norwich (who is 'skilful at project management') are also key members of the practice. Real estate finance, led by Devreaux Gravell in Chelmsford, is another key strand to the firm's work.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alex Schaafsma; Devreaux Gravell


Autres avocats clés:

Lottie Fletcher; Kathryn Palmer


Les références

‘This banking and finance practice distinguishes itself through an unparalleled blend of industry-specific knowledge, forward-thinking strategies, and a client-focused approach that prioritises tailored financial solutions. Potential clients, especially those navigating the complexities of modern financial markets, would be interested in the team’s deep sector expertise, their innovative approach to financial legal challenges, and how these strengths set them apart from other firms.’

‘Compared to its peers, this banking and finance practice stands out for its strategic foresight, commitment to innovation, and a deep-seated dedication to client service. These attributes, combined with the firm’s adaptability and embrace of diversity, position it as a leader in providing cutting-edge legal solutions in the banking and finance sector.’

‘The individuals within this banking and finance practice are distinguished by their exceptional blend of in-depth market knowledge, innovative thinking, and unwavering dedication to client success. These traits, combined with specific contributions from standout members, position the team uniquely in the competitive landscape.’

Principaux clients

Triple Point Capital


Lloyds Bank plc


HSBC Bank Plc


Metro Bank PLC


TTP Group plc


National Westminster Bank plc/Royal Bank of Scotland


One Savings Bank trading as Kent Reliance


Santander plc


OakNorth Bank plc


Comerica Bank


OCS UK &I Limited (formerly Atalian Servest Limited)


Principaux dossiers


Ashtons Legal

At Ashtons Legal, the core group of finance partners is 'knowledgeable, highly professional and always go the extra mile'. Former practice head Ron Clare in Bury St Edmunds (who is 'very commercial, experienced and readily available') remains active in the management of key panel relationships and handles high-value secured lending transactions. Newly promoted partner Greg McCurday in Norwich, whose main focus is real estate finance, has taken the reins. He recently acted for HSBC in the funding of the £4.8m purchase of a multi-let mixed use business site. Agriculture specialist Jeanette Dennis in Cambridge and Ipswich-based corporate partner Geoff Hazlewood frequently act for major bank clients.

Responsables de la pratique:

Greg McCurday


Autres avocats clés:

Ron Clare; Geoff Hazlewood; Jeanette Dennis; Hannah Jones


Les références

‘A strong team which has good experience and depth from partner downward. Fee quotes are accurate and competitive and if a fee increase is required, which is unusual, due to unforeseen additional work this is always advised before fee quote is exceeded.’

‘Ron Clare is very commercial, experienced and readily available. He will always gives his view and quickly gets to the crux of any issues. An excellent lawyer who I would readily recommend.’

‘A long-established solicitors firm with a good mix of skills and in various locations in east Anglia. they have been a partner with the bank for some years and provide a good quality service.’

Principaux clients

Handelsbanken plc


HSBC UK Bank plc


NatWest Bank plc


Clydesdale Bank plc


C Hoare & Co


AFP (Asset Finance Partners)


Unity Trust Bank Plc


Abbey International Finance Limited


State Bank of India


Lloyds Bank plc


Paragon Bank


Together Commercial Finance


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting on behalf of Handelsbanken in the refinancing of a recently developed 160,000 square foot logistics site in Suffolk. The borrower is well known Suffolk developer. Market value of the property in excess of £23 million and loan value in excess of £10 million.
  • Acting for Handelsbanken in the refinancing of a recently developed and refurbished commercial site comprising 22 demised lettings and common areas. Market value of the property £6.6 million and total loan to borrower in excess of £8.5 million.
  • Instructed to act for HSBC Bank UK plc in respect of the funding of the purchase of a large multi-let mixed use business site in the Norwich area. Security taken includes a first legal charge.

Ellisons Solicitors

At Ellisons Solicitors, the finance team is 'calm and patient and explains every query so any layman can understand the complex details easily'. Legal director Phillip Slater, who joined from Dorsey & Whitney, brings to the firm City-quality expertise in and leveraged finance, real estate finance, general corporate lending, balance sheet management, secondary debt trading, and derivatives. Slater 'goes above and beyond to provide support and guidance' and significantly enhances the firm's finance practice, which hitherto focused predominantly on real estate finance.

Responsables de la pratique:

Phillip Slater


Les références

‘The friendly personal service makes Ellisons such a good company to deal with. The team is calm and patient and explains every query so any layman can understand the complex details easily. As a start up we free supported and the the team have boosted our confidence. As a team with a female leadership team we feel incredibly supported with our business ambitions to drive sustainable and positive change.’

‘The level of knowledge and experience is vast and nothing is too much trouble. They make you feel your business is just as important as a huge multi national brand. You are always welcomed with a smile and genuine interest in your business that is rarely found in banks and law firms. Phil Slater goes above and beyond to provide support and guidance.’

Howes Percival LLP

Howes Percival LLP  has 'a very strong team with strong breadth of knowledge'. Norwich-based head of banking Joanna Nicholls specialises in real estate finance, having developed strong relationships with numerous large commercial banks and private funders. She has an established track record in financing investments in the leisure and tourism sector. The 'quite exceptionalTessa Haskey, who leads the real estate group from Norwich, 'always finds a way to get any deal over the line with her pragmatic approach'. Cambridge-based Michaela Henson advised Mortar Investment Group on the financing of a £5m portfolio of buy-to-let properties.

Responsables de la pratique:

Joanna Nicholls


Autres avocats clés:

Tessa Haskey; Elizabeth Thomas; Michaela Henson


Les références

‘A very strong team excellently led by Tessa Haskey. Strong breadth of knowledge with specialism in trust work which has been very helpful this year. The practice’s key strength remains being always accessible and having a strong reputation locally.’

‘I have to call out Tessa Haskey who is quite exceptional. A real solutioniser and always finds a way to get any deal over the line with her pragmatic approach whilst retaining the bank’s best interests to heart. Always available and approachable which is a real skill in itself. A clear leader and Howes Percival’s flagship commercial property lawyer.’

‘Quality firm in East Anglia. We have used the Cambridge Office for banking work and have clients who use them for lease work generally.’

Principaux clients

RQ Capital Limited


HSBC UK Bank plc


Lloyds Bank plc


Barclays Bank plc


Santander UK Plc


Handelsbanken Plc


National Westminster Bank plc


Bank of Scotland plc


The Property Investor Partnership Limited


Cambridge and Counties Bank plc


HSBC Asset Finance (UK) Ltd


Coutts and Company


Principaux dossiers