Freshfields‘ offering extends from consensual restructurings to contentious insolvencies, with a client list which includes prestige names across the infrastructure, chemicals, financial, and telecoms sectors, among others. The group benefits from a fully integrated litigation team, equipping the department well for complex disputes occurring across Europe and beyond. Ken Baird co-leads the practice alongside Richard Tett. Baird is involved in the team’s expanding US and creditor offerings, while Tett, who became global head of restructuring in May 2026, advises on restructurings, refinancings, and distressed M&A, among other matters. Catherine Balmond has strength in matters relating to Germany, while Craig Montgomery is a prominent name for contentious insolvency and restructuring mandates. Lindsay Hingston has a broad practice which captures both contentious and non-contentious issues, and Neil Golding has strong connections to the Asia market, while Emma Gateaud has key insight into the French market. Caroline Platt is also a name to note.
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Key clients
- Thames Water Limited and an ad hoc group of lenders
- An ad hoc group of lenders to Accell Group
- An ad hoc group of high-yield noteholders of Home Shopping Europe
- Idorsia Limited
- OQ Chemicals Group
- TalkTalk Telecom Group Limited
- An ad hoc group of lenders to Altice France under RCF facilities
- Joint liquidators of GTLK Europe DAC (In Liquidation) and GTLK Europe Capital DAC (In Liquidation)
Work highlights
Advising TWL and the Kemble AHG in relation to Thames Water, one of the highest-profile and most complex restructurings in the UK market, culminating in a landmark Court of Appeal judgement which endorsed key arguments advanced by TWL in relation to the treatment of “out-of-the-money creditors”.
Advising Yeoman Capital S.A. (a holding company in the Ardagh group ultimately controlled by Paul Coulson) on the landmark $7.8 billion restructuring of the Ardagh group.
Advising an ad hoc group of noteholders on the English scheme of arrangement of Home Shopping Europe, implementing a deleveraging through Opco Notes, Holdco PIK Notes and contingent value rights.
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.
Richard Tett
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Catherine Balmond
Lindsay Hingston
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Emma Gateaud
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Caroline Platt
Practice head
Ken Baird; Richard Tett
Other key lawyers
Lindsay Hingston; Catherine Balmond; Craig Montgomery; Emma Gateaud; Nick Fortune; Neil Golding; Alex Thomson; Caroline Platt; Jamie Murray-Jones
