With many core restructuring lawyers in the London-based team, and also benefiting from access to a strong regional presence, CMS has the strength-in-depth to handle a significant volume of mid-market mandates for a varied mix of stakeholders. The team’s collaborative approach with sector experts and other complementary practice groups is also a strength and is a particularly compelling offering for debtor work, where a full-service approach is often key. Timea Scholey has recently handled a number of notable pan-European company-side mandates, while Glen Flannery continues to maintain an excellent reputation advising debtors in matters with a nexus to the government, as well as being the firm’s relationship partner for the Official Receiver. On the creditor/investor front, as well as continuing to receive work from clearing banks, the team also continues to gain traction among funds for special situations/distressed investing. Here, Kelly Rothwell is the key contact. Martin Brown departed the team in late 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team is extremely responsive and very hands on. Can translate difficult legal concepts into easily digestible advice for in-house legal and the business.'
- 'CMS has excellent knowledge in the financial services restructuring sector. Their detailed approach is very thorough.'
‘Emma Riddle is extremely easy to work with and proactive in her partnership with in-house legal, going the extra mile where material issues require resolution in a pressurized environment.’
'Martin Young provides an excellent service and has built up a thorough and detailed knowledge of his client and the matters at hand.'
- 'This is a good team.'
- 'Very hands on. Can translate difficult legal concepts into easily digestible advice for in-house legal and the business. Able to act as an extension almost of the in-house legal team i.e. extremely collaborative.'
- 'Emma Riddle is extremely easy to work with and proactive in her partnership with in-house legal, going the extra mile where material issues require resolution in a pressurized environment.'
- 'CMS has a wide range of capabilities and experience across the team, which means I am always confident that even niche areas of advice will be dealt with effectively and with the right level of commercial judgment.'
Key clients
- Grupa Azoty S.A.
- Grupa Azoty Polyolefins
- Markbygden Ett
- Recycling Lives Limited
- LCM Partners Limited
- Invenio Business Solutions Limited
- Inspiring Learning Limited
- Contis Financial Services Limited
- GLAS SAS
- The Official Receiver as liquidator of Crown Agents Limited (in Liquidation)
- Lars Skanvig Bramhelft of Plesner Advokatpartnerselskab as bankruptcy trustee in Denmark of Khurram Shahzad and Mazar Hussain
- Harbert European Speciality Lending Company II S.à r.l.
- The Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, PJSC
Work highlights
Advising Grupa Azoty S.A. on a consensual restructuring. The proposed restructuring would be the largest of its kind in the Polish market.
Advised Inspiring Learning Group, the UK’s largest provider of adventure camps and residential trips for young people, on its options and its negotiations with its main stakeholders (including Barings and Crescent) and the subsequent trio of complex business sales, each a pre-packaged administration sale.
Advised Markbygden Ett AB on the successful restructuring of its debt. This landmark restructuring secured the financial viability and continued operations of Europe’s largest onshore wind farm.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Glen Flannery
Other key lawyers
Emma Riddle;Timea Scholey; Julian Turner; Kelly Rothwell; Ben Bodmer; Martin Young; Christos Christoforou