The banking and finance team at Maples Group acts as both lead and local counsel to a diverse range of domestic and international clients on new money lending, refinancings, and amendments across various sectors. The group's work spans real estate financings and acquisition finance issues, as well as restructurings and enforcements. The team is jointly led by Alma O’Sullivan, who advises borrowers and lenders on corporate and acquisition finance work, as well as broader banking matters; Sarah Francis, who has experience advising Irish and international banks on transactions involving corporates, ICAVs and partnerships; and Vanessa Lawlor, who has deep expertise in domestic and cross-border financings, including fund finance, refinancing and restructuring mandates.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Deep understanding of scope. Practical advice and strategies to get to the ultimate goal. Responsiveness and speed of turnaround for genuine urgent asks.’
- ‘Great knowledge combined with a practical approach.’
- ‘Alma O'Sullivan brings technical capabilities, availability and practical focus on the matter.’
- ‘Vanessa Lawlor and John Crowley are exceptional solicitors. They are clearly experts in their fields and went above and beyond to help us complete the deal. What stood out most was that we never needed to push; they were always proactive in making progress and solving issues. They are also very personable and good at dealing with their counterparts.’
- ‘Maples continues to be a highly reliable legal partner. The team is very reachable and easy to navigate—it's always clear who is responsible for what, which streamlines communication and decision-making. Their ability to provide seamless support across the fund’s key EU jurisdictions, in addition to their strong presence in the Cayman Islands, is a major advantage.'
- ‘Ann-Marie Donovan is exceptionally knowledgeable in the area of banking and fund financing transactions, particularly those involving fund credit lines and subscription facilities. Her expertise in this field is evident, and she has been instrumental in advising on some of our most complex transactions. Her ability to navigate intricate structures and provide clear, strategic guidance makes her a trusted advisor and a true expert in her domain.’
Key clients
- Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
- The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland
- Credit Suisse
- Goldman Sachs International
- Urban Volt Limited
- Natixis
- Fortress Investment Corp LLC
- Tristan Capital Partners LLP
- Lloyds Bank plc
- HSBC Bank plc
- Bain Capital Credit
- Barclays Bank PLC
Work highlights
Advised an Irish pillar bank on the €110m refinancing of eight retail parks.
Advised a PE client on the €140m leveraged acquisition of a self-storage business
Advised a global PE client on a $5bn collaboration with international banks to establish a direct lending platform.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Alma O'Sullivan; Sarah Francis; Vanessa Lawlor
Other key lawyers
Ann-Marie Donovan; Aisling Burke; John Crowley