Dechert LLP ‘s structured finance practice handles everything from structured products and derivatives trades to litigation and enforcement. In the global financial services group- led by Gus Black- there is a strong bench of derivatives specialists. Karen Stretch ’understands how to engage and guide clients effectively’. She handles advisory and transactional derivatives, regulatory compliance matters, trading and benchmarks, and fund finance and capital markets transactions. She is a key adviser to Cheyne Capital Management on its open and closed-ended fund products. John McGrath is sought after by both banks and buy-side clients for advice on enforcement and restructuring of derivatives, securitisations and other structured financings. Abigail Bell has notable expertise in hedge and hybrid structures. Counsel Richard Chapman provides ‘flexible, cost-effective advice with no compromise on quality’.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Karen Stretch is our go-to external counsel for derivatives. She is responsive and technically solid.’
‘Finding the right individual to plan, execute, and deliver throughout your journey is essential. Karen Stretch at Dechert is an absolutely excellent and capable professional who understands how to engage and guide clients effectively. She works well with Richard Chapman, ensuring smooth transitions at appropriate points, with both professionals remaining fully informed and involved.’
‘The team has an excellent working knowledge of the legal documents we present them with. They are available to answer questions and if they don't have the answer, are able to find out quickly.’
‘The willingness to listen to a new concept, take the time to understand what the client is seeking, and then provide clear and concise work in an efficient manner.’
‘Richard Chapman offers very practical advice (owing to his in-house stint) and is able to offer flexible, cost-effective advice with no compromise on quality of the advice. He provides quick, succinct responses required for us to engage with internal stakeholders, but he also provides detailed analysis for complex regulatory-related queries.'
- 'Richard Chapman is my go-to for any complicated derivatives transactions and term sheets as he is technically strong. A deep understanding of the transaction commercials in legal counsels for derivatives is not common in the market. ’
Key clients
- Fondazione Enasarco
- Cheyne Capital Management (UK) LLP
Work highlights
Advised Cheyne Capital Management (UK) LLP on a range of derivatives, trading and related regulatory matters.
Acted for Fondazione Enasarco in its long-running dispute with Lehman Brothers Finance SA (the Swiss Lehman Brothers entity) concerning the close out of a derivative transaction within one of the most complex structured products to be considered by the English courts.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Gus Black
Other key lawyers
Karen Stretch; John McGrath; Abigail Bell; Richard Chapman