Sidley Austin LLP > London, England > Firm Profile

‘Team has excellent knowledge of the debt capital markets, they take the time to understand the client needs and provide in depth analysis.’

‘The Sidley team is exceptional in terms of understanding the client’s needs and providing the most appropriate and comprehensive solutions and support. David Howe and Benedetta Pacifico are associates we can trust and rely on.’

‘They are the standout UK debt capital markets practice — seamlessly integrating US and UK issues. They are extremely proactive, measured and thoughtful. They never over-lawyer, and always focus on the core commercial points to come up with sensible workable solutions.’

‘They wear their deep technical understanding and depth of market experience lightly so as to focus on solutions and be hugely user-friendly. They have always impressed us with their blend of market knowledge and ability to innovate and not be bound by convention.‘

‘David Howe is an outstanding lawyer. He makes the most complex issues understandable to clients, has a keen eye for assessing legal risk and combines a rare mix of deep technical experience, market knowledge and ability to come up with highly innovative and groundbreaking solutions.’

‘Rupert Wall is a standout individual. He is able to deploy his extensive experience and deep technical skills to the most challenging transactions. He is highly regarded in the market and incredibly solutions-focused.’

‘The lawyers at Sidley Austin are very knowledgeable in the securitisation area and show tremendous subject matter expertise across structural and regulatory aspects. They are available at all times to answer queries and provide good advice. There is always a friendly and committed atmosphere.’

‘Rupert Wall has very good industry knowledge of both European and US securitisation regulation. Inquiries are processed comprehensively, competently and very promptly. Rupert is my key contact; in general the team is very precise and assertive, even when negotiations become tough and difficult with CLO managers.’

‘Sidley’s key strengths are: Deep knowledge and expertise in the securitisation space (CLOs and fund financing). The team is detail-oriented and pushes hard to achieve the best position for the client. The team takes on a smaller number of deals but provides full focus on each deal, with the team working extremely hard to turn work around quickly and accurately.’

‘Rupert Wall (partner) – Rupert is extremely knowledgeable in both the subject matter (securitisation financing), as well as general legal topics. Throughout the transactions we worked on together, he was able to explain the issues clearly and logically, and guide us through the best options to find an optimal solution.’

‘Extremely diligent and innovative team at Sidley Austin under Rupert Wall. Strong competence in complex structured finance transactions. Rupert and team work drive deals forward and are key member to a deal team.’

‘I have personally worked with partner Rupert Wall for several years, including on multiple transactions over the past year. He is a standout individual in the market. Thorough, extremely experienced and knowledgeable as well as hands on and accessible.’

‘They are proactive, take time to understand the brief, confront significant technical challenges head on in a confident manner and stay resilient throughout until the deal completes. I think they relish and challenge and enjoy the intellectual journey.’

‘In-depth knowledge of the life sciences sector as well as understanding latest market precedents for licencing and M&A situations.’

‘This is a great team. They really know the life sciences sector inside out, in addition to being great and flexible lawyers and litigators. I have worked with them on quite gruelling projects and the team at Sidley methodically pulled the task apart and found all the right points. They are first rate.’

‘Marie Manley leads the team. She is very hands on and a real fighter for her clients’ interests. She has extremely in-depth knowledge of the life sciences sector from a regulatory and patent perspective, as well as being right at the cutting edge of competition law in this area. Chris Boyle is an absolute superstar as a Senior Managing Associate. He is tremendously clever, prodigiously hard working and would be at the top of my list of people to have on any team. He also has a strong scientific background in life sciences, which is invaluable.’

‘Robert Darwin has been tremendous from a capability standpoint, working in teams, finding a solution so that the client’s interests are met and at the same time finding a solution that could make a win-win situation for everyone involved. For me he is the face of Sidley.’

‘Marie Manley is an outstanding lawyer from a technical perspective but what makes her different is the personality that she brings to her interactions with me as an in-house lawyer and my business colleagues.’

‘Unrivalled insight into the pharmaceutical and medical device regulatory framework in the EU.’

‘Marie Manley is quite simply peerless in her field. A great strategist with a deep knowledge of regulatory matters and a joy to work with. Chris Boyle is a qualified veterinarian and life-sciences lawyer who uses his scientific background to great effect when advising his clients. Great practical advice.’

‘In all the legal negotiations for in-licensing agreements with counterparties we have participated in, Robert Darwin has consistently been a strong negotiator with an inimitable and sensitive style. He is also aware of the concerns and balancing needs of multiple counterparties in a complex, structured deal.’

‘Breadth and depth of the team. Accessibility to the partners of the firm. I have known many partners in the firm for over a number of years and the service is without question exemplary. Billing is transparent.’

‘Strong Fund practice both in Europe and the US. Have helped on a number of areas especially Regulation and M&A.’

‘Stephen Ross has incredible knowledge of the alternative investment management industry and although his main practice is fund formation and LPs investments. He has been an extremely good sounding board through the grow of our investment management business.’

‘The Sidley private equity team is very strong technically, provides excellent pragmatic advice and has a core team dedicated to our relationship.’

‘Paul Dunbar is one of the team leaders, he has strong commercial judgement and provides clear pragmatic advice.’

‘They know what they are doing, they have an impressive roster of clients and they can execute just as well as the magic circle or the elite US firms. They just don’t shout about it.’

‘Eleanor Shanks is not only one of the best technical lawyers in the City but also the kind of lawyer you want captaining your ship in a storm. She knows exactly what she is doing, is graceful under (often) immense pressure and always delivers her deals on time and above expectations.’

‘Broad based team with good coverage of different industries.’

‘Paul Dunbar is a strong lawyer, provides good insights into market practice and solutions to difficult issues.’

‘Sidley’s key strengths are its Deep knowledge and expertise in the securitisation space (CLOs and fund financing) and the fact that its team is detail-oriented and pushes hard to achieve the best position for the client.’

‘Rupert Wall is extremely knowledgeable in both the subject matter, as well as general legal topics. Throughout the transactions we worked on together, he was able to explain the issues clearly and logically, and guide us through the best options to find an optimal solution.‘

‘Very extensive fund financing capabilities – pioneers in this emerging area. A solid team with good bench strength and confidence inspiring partners.‘

‘Rupert Wall is a standout individual. He is able to deploy his extensive experience and deep technical skills to the most challenging transactions. He is highly regarded in the market and incredibly solutions-focused.’

‘This is a proactive team who took a difficult brief and broke it down into a series of workstreams and manageable actions in order to deliver a market leading, highly innovative, significant sized, yet scalable platform including multi tranched financing across cross collateralised multi asset pools.’

‘They take time to understand the brief, confront significant technical challenges head on in a confident manner and stay resilient throughout until the deal completes. I think they relish and challenge and enjoy the intellectual journey.’

‘An extremely diligent and innovative team at Sidley Austin under Rupert Wall. Strong competence in complex structured finance transactions.  Rupert and team work drive deals forward and are key member to a deal team.’

‘I find that partners Rupert Wall has very good industry knowledge of both European and US securitisation regulation. Inquiries are processed comprehensively, competently and very promptly.’

‘Outstanding regulatory team’

‘Martin Membery is an exceptional partner. Agile, proactive and commercial, his advice is highly valued across the market.

‘James Phythian-Adams is one of the brightest minds in the regulatory market. He is measured, dedicated and provides valued and pragmatic advice for his clients.’

‘The Sidley team in London is small, but is able to leverage the global multidisciplinary practice – and other teams in London – to bring greater weight than might first be apparent. What they lack in size they more than make up for in depth of knowledge and experience.’

‘Martin Membery continues to be our go to guy in the transactional space and often on regulatory matters too. He offers a deep understanding of the London market, coupled with a pragmatic approach to issues and an ability to deliver practical advice’

‘Great hands-on and practical advice. The lawyers at Sidley take the time to understand your concerns and will provide you with practical advice.’

‘I find the lawyers very easy to work with and find them to be commercial in their advice.’

‘Our experience of working with the Sidley Austin investment funds team is positive. The Sidley team clearly has a wide breadth of experience in the sector, listens carefully and understands our business needs.’

‘The Sidley team provides us with advice in a clear and practical manner. They are hard working and a pleasure to deal with.’

‘James Oussedik and Adrian Grocock are commercial and very good to work with. They displayed deep investment funds knowledge and technical skills on a complex and unusual project.’

‘Adrian Grocock was very hard working, responsive and understood our needs.’

‘A growing, very commercially minded team acting on both LP and GP side. Knowledgeable and having an international outreach with a growing footprint in the industry.’

‘We work closely with Mateja Maher and he has been most knowledgeable on ongoing matters and structuring issues, yet has been outstanding in guiding us to a market entry in new jurisdictions, essentially scoping our needs and acting as essentially the project manager with the local Sidley Austin teams involved streamlining the process remarkably.’

‘Oli Currall – always available, brings a very practical, commercial approach to tax issues.’

‘Oliver Currall is my preferred UK tax advisor. Technically strong, attentive, in touch with market, commercial.’

‘An exceptionally friendly and approachable team that always demonstrates a ‘no problem too small’ attitude and a desire to really foster a working relationship that benefits both parties. True partners.’

‘Oliver Currall is first class partner who combines deep technical knowledge with strong commercials to provide excellent, all round service. Jason Menzies is also an incredibly fierce negotiator that cuts to the crux to expedite and resolve complicated matters.’

‘Excellent technical knowledge and good understanding of US-UK cross border fund matters. Extremely user friendly and practical.’

‘Oliver Currall is an excellent adviser and has an in-depth technical knowledge understanding for fund investors and portfolio investments.’

‘They are good with UK financial regulatory advice, and have a broad enough network of offices to know many other relevant jurisdiction’s law allowing for “one-stop shopping” for advice. High quality firm.’

‘Rachpal Thind is amazing, getting all the facts to find ways to minimize regulatory burdens relating to our UK financial services investments. She also does a good job of “quarterbacking” regulatory counsel teams in different jurisdictions to get the investing client the right results.’

‘Sara George is truly the best lawyer I have every worked with. Her knowledge, network, forward thinking, commitment is truly exceptional.’

‘US firm with a UK focus and feel. Well resourced by litigators who trained and honed skills in this jurisdiction rather than parachuted in.’

‘Sarah George is an excellent practitioner. Quietly confident with a razor sharp mind. She is excellent with people whether clients or professionals.’

‘Sara George is technically brilliant. Superb with clients. Clear, straightforward, comprehensive. Unafraid of giving difficult advice where required. Fiercely defends her clients. She is the lawyer I would want.’

‘Sidley Austin team has both a very well balanced partners-associates team as well as a very skilled team at all levels of seniority.’

‘Andrew Fox and Sara George are not only great professionals, but also great persons to work with. They both have international experience which makes our matters easier to deal with and for me and our team address with them and their team various jurisdictional matters, from several jurisdictions we cover.’

‘David Smith is a great senior associate to be praised as well.’

‘Sidley Austin LLP is now recognised as a major player in banking litigation, in particular in the investment and derivatives space. It brings excellent individuals and genuine expertise to this area.’

‘Matthew Shankland – very senior partner: he is hugely experienced in the whole field of financial and commercial disputes.’

‘Andrew Fox – stand-out partner, particularly in the field of international commercial arbitration.’

‘Sarah Lainchbury – she has a first-class work ethic and tremendous judgement, combined with a determination to get to the right answer in all disputes she handles.’

‘Sidley Austin is a major player in the commercial litigation space in London.’

‘Matthew Shankland – hugely experienced’

‘Andrew Fox is a stand-out partner in the commercial litigation and arbitration space.’

‘Sarah Lainchbury is an excellent all-rounder: very hard-working and tremendous judgement in commercial disputes.’

‘Perhaps one of the most highly focused client service groups I have worked with. They go out of their way to anticipate my needs and make my life easier. As good as they come in this regard, as well as being very diligent, smart, and highly responsive.’

‘Matthew Shankland is tough and strategic, and brings a no-nonsense sensibility to the team. Sarah Lainchbury is very responsive and thorough, and is excellent at keeping the train on the tracks and on schedule. Alastair Hopwood is very thoughtful and pays close attention to detail.’

‘A relatively young and energetic team that is always practical and available.’

‘They have a strong team that is picking up challenging work across a number of jurisdictions.’

‘They are particularly notable for the offshore bond restructuring work they are undertaking in the Chinese real estate sector.’

‘Recognised as the leading company side restructuring team for the China real estate sector. Seamless cross border cooperation between the Hong Kong and London offices on schemes of arrangements.’

‘Jifree Cader and Mark Knight jointly lead the team – a dynamic duo.’

‘Mark Knight’s in-house experience prior to joining Sidley Austin makes him an ideal hybrid, he blends legal know-how and experience with an experienced, commercial understanding of his client’s needs.’

‘Jifree Cader is calm, commercial and always pushing for innovative ways to solve problems.’

‘Market-leading real estate investment team. Excellent technical skills and commitment.’

‘Emilie Stewart is a key partner for us, very committed and lots of energy to ensure the deal gets done efficiently. She takes no prisoners in negotiations.’

‘The practice is distinguished by its leadership, namely William Long, who is an expert in the field but also a pragmatic thinker and commercially oriented.’

‘I particularly appreciate William’s no-fuss demeanor, and quiet, efficient execution of every task. Without any fanfare, the work is undertaken, timely delivered, and always reflective of an application of the law within the context of commercial realities.’

‘The team is knowledgeable and very responsive. They are flexible and deliver quality services.’

‘William Long, Francesca Blythe, Lauren Cuyvers, and Eleanor Dodding are an absolute pleasure to work with. While this is not important to everyone seeking legal advice, particularly in today’s fast-paced digital economy, I would much rather have a conversation with counsel who takes the time to be personable, is always polite, and has a sense of humor than one who is merely competent.’

‘The team is great at answering questions practically and pragmatically.’

‘I have worked with Francesca Blythe, who is very responsive, pragmatic and clear in her advice.’

‘Sara George is a particularly impressive partner, who inspires confidence in her team and her clients.’

‘Good team highly regarded.’

‘An open firm with innovative solutions to complex problems staffed by people who actually care about the result for their client.’

‘Sara George had been phenomenal achieving results where none appeared possible, her commitment to her clients, strategy and approach to litigation is second to none.’

‘Sara George is truly exceptional. Her management, forward thinking, networking capabilities are truly amazing.’

‘Strong UK regulatory and market knowledge. Able to provide a nuanced opinion and strategic advice.’

‘Sara George is fearless, very strategic, clear and knowledgeable. Great to have on your side in any contentious, regulatory matters.’

‘Sidley’s M&A team offers a winning combination of technical expertise and deep knowledge of the market, strong negotiation skills and client focused approach and responsiveness. They are excellent at understanding and tackling complex transactions in an efficient and effective way, delivering outstanding results for the client.’

‘On a complex multi-jurisdictional deal, Sidley delivered work of a consistently high standard, which in addition to UK and US advice involved collating and interpreting advice from local counsel across the globe, to deliver against extremely challenging timelines. Their insurance sector expertise is impressive, particularly within their regulatory team.’

‘All of the team work tirelessly to deliver consistently high service.’

‘The team has unparalleled knowledge of our industry and business. Highly regarded by both legal and business teams. Very commercial and provide expert competition law advice with creative solutions.’

‘Patrick Harrison is an excellent partner.’

‘The acquisition finance team has proven itself to be an extremely valued partner in our negotiation and risk assessment of all legal matters. The team brings innovation and diversity of thought in all discussions with lenders, being commercial and providing insightful guidance relative to market context.’

‘The team is very responsive and super commercial.’

‘Bryan Robson is always excellent – very strong adviser, cuts straight to the key issues and helps navigate a deal smoothly from start to finish.’

‘James Crook and William Gwyn have a wealth of experience financing solutions with increasing innovation into new areas; they are strong negotiators able to drive strong outcomes for their clients.’

‘The team is fully committed to the transaction at stake and covers each possible legal angle. They are very devoted to the practice and fully available.’

‘Market leading property finance team.’

‘Excellent technical skills and commitment.’

‘Emilie Stewart is a highly skilled technical lawyer offering pragmatic solutions.’

‘This team oozes competence, they work seamlessly across jurisdictions (in my experience with the very capable and impressive London team), and look after the interests of their clients extremely well.’

‘Very commercial and down to earth.’

‘Without a doubt Gordon Davidson is a stand out partner to me. Technically excellent plus very commercial and a pleasure to work with. Understands his clients, remains cool and collected and able to take key decisions under pressure. Impressive and engaging.’