The ‘outstanding team’ at Linklaters LLP has ’first-class legal skills and is best in the market at matter management’, according to one client. ‘This is one of the strongest and most technically proficient teams’, notes another. The team is jointly led by David Phillips , a key contact for various financial institutions and corporates alike, and Deepak Sitlani, who draws praise from clients for his 'incredibly deep market knowledge.' Additionally, the ’technically strong’ Leanne Banfield excels in sustainable and credit-linked instruments; Vinay Samani is heavily involved in establishing carbon trading businesses. The ‘exceptionally talented’ Simon Firth and Michael Voisin are market stalwarts with extensive experience in market infrastructure, fintech and complex derivatives and structured products. The firm has a strong practice in OTC derivatives, and provides top-tier advice on regulatory matters, and it has notable expertise in equity derivative products, on which Doug Shaw is a recognised expert.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Outstanding team. First-class legal skills and (in my view) best in the market at matter management.’
‘David Phillips, Vinay Samani and Leanne Banfield are great to work with. Very available and responsive. The associates are certainly the most capable we work with too.’
‘Deep expertise in all areas of derivatives, across products and jurisdictions.’
‘Linklaters consistently demonstrates an exceptional ability in handling complex matters, with their strong expertise in structured finance, and particularly in relation to repacks (for environmental products) standing out. They are able to navigate complex legal and regulatory issues, whilst offering both strategic insights and practical solutions. The team also brings a commercial mindset to each transaction, demonstrating they understand our requirements from a banking/lender perspective.’
‘Deepak Sitlani - commercial, excellent knowledge of ISDA documentation.'
'Leanne Banfield specialises in structured finance and derivatives with a particular focus on structured products and credit linked products, including synthetic securitisations/SRT and risk transfer transactions in all formats. Leanne is a regular speaker on synthetic securitisation/SRT and ESG issues at industry conferences.'
'Vinay Samani is a market leader across the spectrum of structured finance and derivatives trades. Senior, experienced, respected, presence with an incredibly deep market knowledge.'
'Doug Shaw is excellent and is the market leader in complex equity derivative transactions.’
'This team is very good at delivering highly complex, innovative legal solutions. They work well and efficiently with colleagues in other practices and in their overseas office network. They are very experienced and well-coordinated internally.'
'This is one of the strongest and most technically proficient teams in the structured finance market, with phenomenal bench strength at a partner level.'
Key clients
- International Swaps and Derivatives Association Inc. (ISDA)
Work highlights
Counselled ISDA- drafting and finalising the ISDA Sustainability-linked Derivatives Confirmations, a follow on from the Sustainability-linked Derivatives Clause Library.
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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Vinay Samani
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leanne Banfield
Practice head
Deepak Sitlani; David Phillips
Other key lawyers
Leanne Banfield; Vinay Samani; Simon Firth; Michael Voisin; Doug Shaw; Jeremy Gewirtz; Chris Staples