A&O Shearman advises on the full range of domestic and international debt capital markets products, including standalone bonds, convertible and exchangeable bonds, equity-linked instruments, and securitised derivatives. The team features several key practitioners: Stefano Sennhauser, who regularly acts for arrangers, joint lead managers and investors in complex structured finance transactions; Cristiano Tommasi, who specialises in both domestic and international bond issues and programmes, including private placements; Pietro Bellone, who advises financial institutions, private capital providers, and corporates on all aspects of securitisation and structured finance; and Alessandra Pala, who brings experience in bond issuances, notably high-yield, convertible, and exchangeable bonds. Sarah Capella advises on a broad spectrum of financing matters, with experience spanning the establishment of MTN and ECP programmes. Elisabetta Rapisarda is noted for supporting clients with the setup and ongoing administration of commercial paper programmes, alongside advising on hybrid capital transactions and liability management exercises. Emiliano La Sala left the team in September 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Very technical and capable team, made up of several different profiles that can support with tailored advice and professionalism.’
- ‘A&O Shearman's practice stands out as one of the most sophisticated and forward-thinking in the market. We use them for their technical precision, commercial insight, and ability to navigate complex and innovative transactions. The team consistently demonstrates an ability to combine deep legal expertise with a pragmatic, client-centric approach.’
- ‘Timely delivery of legal products in outstanding quality, able to work under time pressure, excellent negotiating skills vis-à-vis counterparty, ahead of market trends.’
- ‘High professionalism, in-depth knowledge of legal and regulatory matters that arise during the course of the work, cooperation and courtesy of all team members.’
- ‘Top team in the market.’
- ‘The team is very professional, we appreciate that the communication is always very swift and smooth, they are knowledgeable about the market and maintain good relationships with the clients, is able to identify potential issues and help propose solutions.’
Key clients
- Stellantis Financial Services Italia
- International Game Technology PLC
- Agos Ducato
- AXA IM Alts
- Banca Finanziaria Internazionale
- Banco BPM
- Banco Desio
- Banco Santander
- CA Auto Bank (former FCA Bank)
- Crédit Agricole CIB
- CVC
- FinecoBank
Work highlights
Advised Mediobanca on the establishment of its Italian Euro medium term notes (EMTN).
Advised a group of financial institutions on the structuring of a securitisation tranche as part of the financing supporting KKR in the acquisition of NetCo, TIM’s fixed line network, and integration with FiberCop.
Advised on several complex high-yield transactions, by combining a mix of traditional lending and bond issuance techniques to achieve optimal financing solutions.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Cristiano Tommasi
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Pietro Bellone
Alessandra Pala
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Sarah Capella
Elisabetta Rapisarda
Other key lawyers
Stefano Sennhauser; Cristiano Tommasi; Pietro Bellone; Alessandra Pala; Elisabetta Rapisarda; Sarah Capella