With a core team which is headed out of London by Sarah Smith and Priyanka Usmani and often working closely alongside restructuring lawyers across the global network, as well as being closely intertwined with the firm’s broader finance and litigation functions, Baker McKenzie is effectively able to advise debtors, creditors, and investors on a diverse array of cross-border restructuring and insolvency matters. The firm is active across all stages of the distress curve, from special situations and distressed debt engagements. Kevin Heverin joined the firm from A&O Shearman in June 2025. William Swan departed the team in July 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'First class approach to complex restructuring and insolvency situations in both London and Frankfurt. Hands on approach from partners to deal with all complexities in an efficient and commercial manner.'
Work highlights
Advised Mashreqbank PSC, in its various roles as outgoing Agent and outgoing Security Agent, in relation to the restructuring of JBF RAK LLC in the UAE and its exit from the existing financing arrangements.
Advised the administrators of The Body Shop in the period between the company’s entry into administration and the sale, out of administration, of the majority of the company’s business and assets.
Advised GLAS in connection with the consensual restructuring of Consolis Group, a European manufacturer of precast concrete elements that provides engineered and sustainable solutions for the building and utilities sectors, as between the Group’s sponsor, noteholders, revolving credit facility lenders and PIK lenders.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Sarah Smith; Priyanka Usmani
Other key lawyers
Hugh Lyons; Marc Florent; Simon Porter; Ben Levitt; James Kirkpatrick; Matthieu Hucker; Kevin Heverin