Ashtons Legal‘s practice is very strong in handling lending transactions, however the team is also adept in representing corporate borrowers in mandates. The department is highly regarded for its expertise in real estate secured lending, agricultural finance and corporate finance. Greg McCurday in Norwich leads the team, which includes agriculture finance specialist Jeanette Dennis in Cambridge and Mark Watson in Norwich. Corporate partners Geoff Hazlewood in Ipswich and Nick Palmer in Cambridge often act for banks in transactions. Ron Clare retired from practice in 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A strong team ably led by Greg McCurday. The team has excellent experience and depth.’
‘Greg McCurday is very experienced, commercial and quickly gets to the crux of issues.’
‘The team are very knowledgeable and are only too happy to make time to speak and guide those in need.’
‘Jeanette Dennis, Greg McCurday, and Mark Watson show professionalism, experience and dedication.’
Key clients
- Handelsbanken plc
- HSBC UK Bank plc
- NatWest Bank plc
- Clydesdale Bank plc
- C Hoare & Co
- AFP (Asset Finance Partners)
- Unity Trust Bank Plc
- Abbey International Finance Limited
- State Bank of India
- Lloyds Bank plc
- Paragon Bank
- Together Commercial Finance
Work highlights
Acting for Handelsbanken in the refinancing of a portfolio of residential properties valued at £2.4m.
Advising Natwest on the refinancing of a multi-let industrial park in Essex.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Greg McCurday
Other key lawyers
Geoff Hazlewood; Nick Palmer; Jeanette Dennis; Mark Watson