DLA Piper has ‘a strong practice in structured derivatives, particularly when provided to securitisations and warehouses’. Mark Dwyer, who is global co-chair of financial services, Marcus Lovatt, who ‘combines a great intellect with a convivial manner and great transactional instincts’, and Steven Krivinskas, a key adviser to both financial institutions and borrowers, are the principal practitioners. The partner team has strong support at associate level, with Patrick Lightbown handling structured finance and derivatives as part of his broad finance practice. Martin Bartlam left for an in-house position in late 2023, but in March 2023 the firm hired Kos Vavelidis from Paul Hastings LLP. Vavelidis has significant derivatives expertise, though his main focus is CLOs.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘DLA Piper's ABL practice is market leading and at the forefront of change/knowledge. By hosting the SFNet ILC, it shows the reach and influence of the firm. If we see DLA representing lenders or borrowers, then I would expect a smooth transaction.’
‘The DLA team have built a strong practice in structured derivatives, particularly when provided to securitisations and warehouses - they are our most frequently used external counsel in this space.'
- 'They have a very good sense of the commercial considerations of our product, as well as working in concert with a large range of other banks and stakeholders to deliver a transaction for our end client.’
‘Marcus Lovatt has been a key contact for us for many years. He combines a great intellect with a convivial manner and great transactional instincts - we value his partnership immensely.’
Key clients
- NatWest Markets PLC
- NatWest Markets N.V.
- Together Financial Services Limited
- Cube III Environment S.à.r.l.
- CVS (UK) Limited
- Workspace Group plc
- YouGov PLC
- ISDA
- Banco Santander, S.A. and Crédit Agricole
- Morgan Stanley & Co International
Work highlights
- Advised NatWest Markets as derivatives provider on six public securitisation transactions in the UK and the Netherlands having an aggregate issuance size of more than GBP 1.8 billion.
- Advised Together Money on the derivatives aspects of three public UK RMBS transactions having an aggregate issuance size of more than GBP 1.15 billion.
- Advised four hedge counterparties (NatWest Markets, CACIB, Deka Bank and Helaba) on the hedging aspects of the £285,000,000 refinancing of Firmus Energy.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Mark Dwyer; Marcus Lovatt; Steven Krivinskas
Other key lawyers
Patrick Lightbown