Freshfields

Drawing upon a highly integrated offering which combines both transactional and contentious strength, Freshfields is well-placed to advise stakeholders at all levels of the capital structure across the full range matters, from fully consensual restructurings to contentious insolvencies. While it does handle some major domestic matters, including its high-profile recent liability management exercise for Talk Talk, much of the firm’s work is cross-border, with clients benefiting from its in-depth expertise in both UK restructuring frameworks and European procedures, with parallel processes often co-ordinated to optimise outcomes. Lindsay Hingston embodies the broad nature of work handled by the firm, being as comfortable handling complex balance sheet restructurings, as mandates utilising restructuring tools, including Schemes of Arrangements and the UK restructuring plan. On the litigation front, Neil Golding excels at handling insolvency matters involving allegations of fraud, while Craig Montgomery continues to be heavily involved in highly contested restructuring plan matters. As well as continuing to pick up work for ad-hoc creditor committees, debtors, and officeholders, the arrival of Nick Fortune in December 2024 from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP enhances the firm’s ability to advise on complex creditor/investor mandates involving private capital solutions. Ken Baird, who led on the Talk Talk matter, is equally conversant with in-court and out-of-court restructuring processes and co-heads the team alongside Richard Tett. Noted for her particular expertise in financial services sector mandates, Emma Gateaud's recent engagements include major cross-border restructurings.  Catherine Balmond is also recommended, including on matters involving offshore considerations.