Christopher Axford > Druces LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Deploying a multi-disciplinary approach which leverages the expertise of lawyers with substantial Islamic finance expertise within core areas of focus for the firm, including corporate, M&A, real estate and banking, Druces LLP provides a very effective service to financial institutions, corporates and investors providing or seeking finance utilising a variety of Shariah-compliant products. Christopher Axford, who co-heads the team alongside Antony Cotton, handles a significant volume of Shariah-compliant property finance mandates for core client, Bank of London and The Middle East.

Druces LLP has ‘a strong team with good understanding of what they are doing‘, and clients remark that the lawyers ‘know the nuances and commercial approach required for smaller deals‘. Lead partner Dominic Traynor frequently assists lithium project developer Savannah Resources Plc with corporate governance and regulatory matters concerning emerging markets. Corporate and banking partner Christopher Axford recently acted for Essentially Group PLC on the admission of its entire share capital to the AQSE Growth Market, the first UAE-based business to be listed there. Construction specialist Richard Bailey continues to be involved in major projects, among them developments in the retail and energy sectors in the Middle East. Newly promoted partner Jack Dervyn is ‘very detail-orientated and always has great availability‘, and senior associate Mark Lamph, who focuses on ECM transactions, has ‘great experience and great manner with clients‘.

Druces LLP stands out for its in-house capabilities and experience in Sharia compliant real estate financing and its work representing syndicators of investment property. Antony Cotton heads the practice. Christopher Axford takes the lead of Sharia-compliant financing, while Suzanne Middleton Lindsley‘s practice focuses on syndicate work and development finance.

Praised for both its ‘pragmatism and commercial acumen’, the corporate team at Druces LLP works on a host of complex M&A transactions for clients operating in the healthcare, infrastructure and Sharia compliant finance sectors. Practice head Christopher Axford continues to advise leading players in health and social care, with a particular interest in regulated businesses and Sharia compliant structuring. The ‘terrific’ Antony Cotton is a key port of call for early-stage companies operating in the fintech sector. Caroline Cropley – who heads up the corporate restructuring practice – was promoted to partner in May 2023.