Praised for its ‘deep legal expertise combined with a very pragmatic approach’, Freshfields maintains a leading role in complex equity capital markets transactions across the UK and Europe. The firm is a trusted adviser to both issuers and underwriters on major IPOs, rights issues, and secondary offerings, with a standout track record on transatlantic deals. Its London-based team is particularly well known for advising European corporates on listings in the US. Helming the practice is Chris Mort, who has recently led the team on high-profile mandates, including the IPO of CVC Capital Partners plc on Euronext Amsterdam. Julian Makin has extensive experience acting on secondary offerings from both sponsor and underwriter perspectives. Doug Smith is a cross-border specialist with expertise in handling the US aspects of ECM transactions, while David Boles, who joined the firm in May 2024, is widely lauded as ’one of the clear market leaders among US ECM lawyers in Europe’. Tom Godwin focuses on public and private capital markets, skillfully advising issuers, shareholders, and underwriters on international equity deals. Richard Ho, Ethan Magid, Jennifer Brokamp and Egor Marisin also come recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Julian Makin has been our lead partner for many years. He stands out with his encyclopaedic knowledge of equity capital markets and vast experience leading landmark transactions. He understands our objectives and we have full confidence that he protects our interests. At the same time he is pragmatic and stands out with his solution driven approach.'
- ‘David Boles - David has been one of the leading US lawyers active in the Danish market for ~20 years. He is one of the clear market leaders among US ECM lawyers in Europe on the basis of a very european-style advisory taking into account the cultural nuances of our jurisdiction.'
- ‘Ethan Magid is a very strong counsel for Freshfields, providing trusted and high quality legal advice.'
- ‘Very experienced in this area, in a space where what is 'market standard' is important this is invaluable. Fantastic client service - you get what you pay for but it is night and day with even very good mid-tier firms. Excellent with key internal stakeholders outside of legal, comfortable in the Boardroom etc.'
- ‘Doug Smith and Ethan Magid both have deep expertise in the space of public markets, are always switched on to support their client and have an exceptional can-do attitude. Both manage to create a positive vibe around that motivates everyone involved to get things done.’
- ‘Exceptional commitment and deep legal expertise combined with a very pragmatic approach. Always on to resolve any issues and challenges. Fun to work with.’
- ‘We have been working for some time with the practice on equity markets because of their interpersonal skills. What matters for us is the ability of the team to understand our weaknesses, our doubts and work sincerely with us to remedy those and to bring out the best of our Company.'
- ‘Egor Marisin is an exceptional associate. Technically astute, forward thinking, excellent communicator and consistently delivers to the highest standard with pragmatic advice. Egor has a solid understanding of our business, our history, our challenges and our strategy and what we need to achieve it.'
Key clients
- Ashtead Group Plc
- Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc
- BAE Systems
- Burford Capital
- Cenergy Holdings SA
- CK Infrastructure Holdings Limited
- CVC Capital Partners plc
- DSV A/S
- Elevage Medical Technologies
- Ferguson Enterprises Inc.
- Fevertree Drinks plc
- Goldman Sachs
- Haleon Plc
- HBX Group
- London Stock Exchange Group plc
- Merlin Properties SOCIMI, S.A.
- Morgan Stanley & Co International plc
- National Bank of Greece SA
- Parkin Company P.J.S.C
- Patient Square Capital
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
David Boles
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Ethan Magid
Practice head
Chris Mort
Other key lawyers
Julian Makin; Doug Smith; David Boles; Tom Godwin; Richard Ho; Ethan Magid; Jennifer Brokamp; Egor Marisin