Linklaters LLP provides ‘top-tier service, reliable and commercial advice, and pragmatic solutions’. Practice head Deepak Sitlani ‘remains at the top in the derivatives world, combining his market knowledge from his work with ISDA with strong transactional and advisory skills’. Sitlani’s group is home to acknowledged leaders in their fields. Among them are Simon Firth, for the structuring and documentation of derivatives transactions; Michael Voisin, who is an authority on platforms for margining, collateral transformation and FX trading; Vinay Samani, who has extensive experience in OTC and securitised derivatives; structured derivatives and capital markets specialist David Phillips; and Doug Shaw, who focuses on equity and credit-linked derivatives. Emerging partner talent Leanne Banfield is ‘extremely responsive and commercial’ in her advice on repackagings and credit-linked products. In 2023, Mark Brown retired, and Matthew Monahan , Toby Gray, and Mark Drury departed the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Linklaters lead on the most complex structured finance deals in the market. Vinay Samani in particular has been practising for a very long time and has an unparalleled depth of knowledge.’
‘Deepak Sitlani remains at the top in the derivatives world, combining his market knowledge from his work with ISDA with strong transactional and advisory skills.’
‘Top-tier service - responsive, reliable and commercial advice, pragmatic solutions, friendly and easy to deal with. Streamlined processes for flow business lines.’
'Lawyers in the Linklaters derivatives and structured products practice are extremely knowledgable, so clients can always expect top-notch legal advice on complex legal issues in the area of cleared derivatives. They are known for innovative thinking and for finding commercially-viable solutions.'
'Our key contact at Linklaters is Michael Voisin, who is an industry veteran with deep and extensive knowledge of legal matters relating to derivatives. His main quality is explaining complex issues in simple terms and looking for business-friendly legal solutions.'
‘In my experience, Vinay Samani has an awareness of market trends that is unrivalled. He is pragmatic with his solutions to complex structuring of deals. Unlike many other partners, Vinay is very hands-on in all aspects of transactions and as a client, I feel assured that we are receiving accurate and holistic advice.'
'Edmund Leung is a rising star. I have worked closely with Edmund for the last 6 years and the experience has only ever been a positive one. He is easy to deal with and is able to identify issues that may have otherwise been missed. He has been integral in the streamlining of the processes for our flow business lines.’
‘Vinay Samani's knowledge of the structured finance industry is outstanding. Leanne Banfield is also an extremely responsive and commercial member of the team. I appreciate their communication and their ability to work on the most complex structured deals in the market.’
Key clients
- International Swaps and Derivatives Association Inc. (ISDA)
- Futures Industry Association (FIA)
- The Dealer Group for SPIRE
- OTC DerivNet Ltd (OTCD)
- DWS Investments UK Limited
Work highlights
- Primary counsel to International Swaps and Derivatives Association Inc. (ISDA) and now advise ISDA on each of the key derivatives asset classes.
- Advising Futures Industry Association (FIA) on the development of a new client clearing model for Europe, the European Agent-Trustee model (the EATM).
- Advising the 18 dealer banks collectively on the ongoing development of the Single Platform Investment Repackaging Entity SA (SPIRE) multi-dealer secured note programme.
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
Other key lawyers
Leanne Banfield; Simon Firth; Michael Voisin; David Phillips; Doug Shaw; Vinay Samani; Edmund Leung; Sarah Willis; Richard Hay; James Joseph; Michael Solaimani; Ruhi Patil; Phoebe Coutts; Suzanna Brunton; Pauline Ashall