Recognised as ‘the go-to experts in this sector’, Addleshaw Goddard advises domestic and international banks, building societies, and major financial institutions on a broad range of finance-related matters, including underwritings, primary syndications, and debt transfers, across the energy, healthcare, transport, and retail sectors. The ‘excellent’ practice head Andrew Fordham brings over fifteen years of experience, focusing on corporate banking, acquisition and leveraged finance, and asset-based lending, both in the UK and across borders. Fordham is supported by Geoff McGinley, who is a name to note in relation to the housing and education sectors, and Nick Barlow, the ‘go-to banking partner’, who advises on sustainability-linked loan agreements and transactions in the education sector.

The ‘extremely strong’ team at Pinsent Masons LLP specialises in asset-based finance and structured finance, including account bank roles in complex securitisation structures. Based in Leeds, the team is led by Matthew Clayton Stead, who advises on high-value corporate financings, structured and syndicated lending, and sustainable loan arrangements. Sean Houlihan brings over 20 years of experience in real estate finance, acting for clearing banks on both investment and development funding; while Tom McHugh focuses on advising funders involved in large-scale mergers and intricate group refinancings.

The ‘very experienced’ team at Shoosmiths LLP has extensive experience in leveraged and acquisition finance, venture debts, and complex restructuring plans and senior debt financing arrangements. Anna Robson, who ‘brings a significant amount of experience’, heads the team and specialises in leveraged finance, asset-based lending, venture debt, and general corporate finance. She is supported by the ‘exceptional’ Kat Raanan, who is a name to note in relation to corporate lending transactions for both borrowers and lenders; and by Charlotte Thomas, who brings strong expertise in mid-market acquisition finance for both local and national clients.

Walker Morris LLP‘s team, renowned as ‘knowledgeable’ and ‘practical’, covers all aspects of banking law, including corporate lending, acquisition and leveraged lending, development and investment, and project finance. The Leeds-based team is headed by Philip Scott, who brings over 20 years of experience in the sector. Scott acts for clearing banks, alternative lenders, and debt funds on the full range of finance transactions, including corporate finance, development and investment finance, and asset-backed lending; while Laura Lister is renowned for her work on complex real estate finance deals.

The ‘really strong and responsive’ team at DLA Piper handles matters related to debt finance, real estate finance, energy and infrastructure project finance, and asset-based lending. Kirstie Allerton and Sarah Day jointly lead the Leeds-based team. Allerton specialises in commercial property, education and social housing sectors where she regularly advises on both investment and development financings; while Day assists asset based lenders, corporates, funds, and banks in new money, refinancing, and restructuring-related matters.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP advises banks, private companies, universities, and other major clients across Yorkshire on leveraged finance, investment-grade trading, real estate and education financing, and various funding transactions. Described as ‘a pleasure to work with’, Paul Castle brings over two decades of experience in banking and finance, with a focus on investment-grade and crossover credit PLCs, large private companies, real estate investors and developers, as well as educational institutions.

Irwin Mitchell provides legal advice to both lenders and borrowers across corporate banking, real estate and mezzanine finance, leveraged and structured finance, as well as private equity funding. The ‘excellent’ team head Paddy Sturman has substantial experience in banking and debt finance transactions across a wide range of sectors, regularly advising banks, funders, and borrowers on real estate finance, leveraged finance, and corporate banking transactions. Sturman is supported by Jeremy Ladyman, who has particular expertise in treasury and financial services matters.

Squire Patton Boggs advises borrowers, lenders, and private equity sponsors across acquisition and leveraged finance, as well as real estate investment. The firm is particularly noted for its ‘very good and well-respected’ asset-based lending practice. The ‘experienced’ team head Tom Telford brings over a decade of experience of advising on banking and finance matters. Telford assists both banks and borrowers in acquisition and property finance, corporate banking, and complex asset-based lending.

Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP advises lenders and borrowers on corporate refinancing, acquisition and real estate finance, invoice discounting, and lending within the education and healthcare sectors, including care homes and residential facilities. The Hull-based team is led by Nick Scott, who is well-versed within banking and finance deals and documentation.

DWF advises on acquisition and real estate finance, banking and restructuring, debt capital markets, and Islamic finance matters. Chris Ramage and Jenny Crew jointly lead the Leeds-based team; with the ‘experienced’ Ramage specialising in all areas of debt finance law, and Crew acting for banks, financial institutions, and corporate borrowers across all areas of corporate banking.

Schofield Sweeney specialises in secured real estate finance, development funding, asset-based lending, and invoice finance matters. Team head Manjit Virdee brings extensive experience in secured property finance and acquisition finance, portfolio work, asset-based lending, development funding, and investment property and bridging.

Wake Smith Solicitors Limited is well-versed within corporate banking, acquisition and development finance, asset-backed lending, restructuring, and finance litigation. Team leader Neil Salter brings more than 30 years of expertise in commercial property and secured lending, regularly collaborating with prominent clients including HSBC UK Bank plc.