The Legal 500

Arthur Cox bolstered its team in 2007 through the recruitment of three associates including Kirsty Simon who joined from Latham & Watkins. Angus Creed _s three-partner team wins plaudits for _ performing well ahead of expectation on response times and expertise _ and clients also single out Judith Brown as _ excellent in all aspects _. Corporate, property and project finance are all strong areas and the firm recently advised a syndicate of banks on a �110m property acquisition facility, significant for being the largest residential bank transaction to date in Northern Ireland.

The banking team at John McKee & Son is headed up by Avril McCammon, _ a leader in her field _. The firm advises on transactions including group arrangements, asset finance and financial structures as well as having particular expertise in cross-border lending. In 2007 the practice acted for Ulster Bank Group in the funding of the Titanic Quarter in Belfast, a major new commercial and residential development. Lex Ross offers _ excellent experience _.

L'Estrange & Brett _s three corporate partners were joined in April 2007 by Kieran McGarrigle, having been newly appointed to head up the insolvency team. Clients praise the team_s _ ability to identify and quickly distil the key issues,_ while banking head Brian Henderson and Sin_ad McGrath are noted for their expertise in property-based lending, with other key areas for the firm being asset finance and securitisation. In 2007 the firm advised Ulster Bank on the funding of Rigcycle Limited_s acquisition of Alfred McAlpine_s Welsh slate subsidiary.

A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland _s team has a _ professional approach and deep knowledge of banking law._ Highlight deals include acting for lenders on the financing of a 9 MW windfarm in Country Tyrone for Airtricity. Deborah Archer is singled out for praise of her _ broad knowledge of specialist vehicles _.

C & H Jefferson _s banking arm resides within its general commercial practice and is instructed by a number of leading banks in Northern Ireland on matters relating to acquisition and property finance. The firm recently acted for a bank in relation to financing the acquisition of Windsor House, the tallest building in Belfast, with a facility in excess of �20m. Mark Tinman has considerable banking experience.

Tom Adair leads the _ proactive and responsive _ banking team at Carson McDowell, which specialises in property finance, asset finance, leveraged acquisition and finance and debt securities. Major clients include Bank of Ireland, Northern Bank and First Trust and the firm recently advised Bank of Ireland in relation to the �31m Holy Cross Schools PFI project.

Cleaver Fulton Rankin _s banking team, headed by partner Stephen Cross, receives praise from clients who appreciate a _ positive attitude to client service and good industry knowledge _. The firm receives instructions from a number of prominent financial institutions and is on the majority of the major Northern Ireland banks_ legal panels. Recent work includes acting for HSBC in relation to local lending matters and the securitisation of a portfolio of mortgages.

At Elliott Duffy Garrett _ level-headed and professional _ corporate partner Kevin McVeigh advises local and international banks on secured lending and project finance matters, while commercial property partner Laurence Mahood has experience advising on secured property lending and acquisition matters.

McKinty and Wright has a proven track record acting for local and national banks and lenders in relation to commercial lending and security. The firm also advises and assists City firms on Northern Ireland aspects of finance schemes.

Tughans _ banking department has experience in secured bank lending, property finance, asset finance, debt securities and financial restructuring. Property partner John Mills is recommended for being _ easy to work with and having a commercial approach _. In 2007 the firm advised Resource Services Group on a refinancing and restructuring of the group_s debt.

Johns Elliot _s commercial property practice acts for pension funds and institutional investors in relation to private property portfolios, as well as providing advice on property lending matters and site acquisition thanks to David Leitch _s commercial property experience.

McGrigors Belfast LLP utilises its expertise in its Scottish and English offices to provide advice in asset finance, project finance and real estate development.

Mills Selig _s commercial property practice also provides advice to financial institutions in relation to sale, purchase and leasing transactions.