Sanjev Warna-kula-suriya > Latham & Watkins > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Latham & Watkins has ‘a very client-focused practice which is not just focused on executing transactions but also on giving a good overall client experience‘. The firm has invested heavily over the years and now has one of the broadest practices in the market, including a strong manager-side CLO team. Chair of global structured finance and securitisation Sanjev Warna-kula-suriya is active in CLOs, as well as CMBS and other structures. Jeremiah Wagner is praised for his ‘outstanding legal knowledge, creativity, commercial acumen and client support‘ on the full range of securitisations and asset-backed US-registered public offerings. He works closely with Patrick Leftley, who is a key adviser to banks, asset managers and corporates on ABS deals. Thomas Cochran frequently handles innovative structures and recently advised the operator of a leading shopping and financial services app in the Middle East on a first-of-its-kind receivables securitisation. Steve Curtis specialises in structured debt and securitisation financings.

Undertaking a blend of commercial deals, event-based work, investment mandates and contentious proceedings, the Latham & Watkins practice is ‘excellent to work with’, frequently representing governing bodies and major tech companies. Patrick Mitchell heads from London, being an expert in media rights and sponsorship arrangements; Edward Barnett assists clients in cross-border M&A; while Martin Davies is a sports litigation expert. Farah O’Brien and Sanjev Warna-kula-suriya bring corporate and finance specialism, and Sam Newhouse focuses on joint ventures.