Paul Hastings LLP‘s ’global reach, expertise at all levels, and innovative practices set it apart’, and clients remark that the London securitisation team is ‘highly responsive to client needs, offering practical and business-oriented solutions’. The group has a dominant position in the European CLO market, having played a key role in almost half the deals in the market in 2024, either for managers or arrangers. Beyond CLOs, the firm also has a strong position in asset-backed finance deals for large sponsors, including advice to Apollo on a €1.5bn private securitisation to finance the acquisition of Beequip. Brian Maher, who joined from Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP in late 2024, led that deal. The firm is also active in equipment lease, SME, CMBS, and RMBS deals. Market veteran Paul Severs, real estate debt expert Miles Flynn, and lead CLO partner Cameron Saylor are leaders in their fields. Up-and-coming partners James Baillie and Victoria Morton are highly regarded for CLOs and RMBS respectively.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent skillset and experience, approachable professional team.’
‘Practical, commercial approach, focus on solutions.’
‘Global reach: with offices in key financial centres worldwide, Paul Hastings offers extensive international and cross-border capabilities. This global presence ensures seamless coordination across different offices, providing clients with consistent and comprehensive legal support. Expertise across levels: the firm is well-staffed at all levels, from junior associates to seasoned partners. This ensures that clients receive expert advice and support tailored to their specific needs. Commercial and responsive: known for its commercial acumen, Paul Hastings is highly responsive to client needs, offering practical and business-oriented solutions.'
'Paul Hastings is committed to transparent and predictable billing practices. They are prepared to agree on fees for long-term engagements, providing clients with financial certainty. The firm has made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusion within its ranks. This commitment not only enriches the firm's culture but also enhances its ability to serve a diverse client base.'
'Paul Hastings leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance its legal services. This includes advanced data analytics and digital tools that streamline processes and improve efficiency. The firm fosters a collaborative environment, encouraging teamwork and knowledge sharing across different practice areas and offices. Compared to other firms, Paul Hastings' combination of global reach, expertise at all levels, and innovative practices set it apart.'
'There have been several changes to this small team over the last year but the partners have coped well and have made good hires. Our more recent deals have been smooth and efficient.'
Key clients
- Apollo
- Barclays
- Beequip
- Deutsche Bank
- Haydock Finance
- Redding Ridge
- Together
- Mount Street Mortgage Servicing
- CVC
- JP Morgan
- Goldman Sachs
- Morgan Stanley
Work highlights
Acted for Apollo and Beequip on the structuring, drafting and implementation of a EUR 1.5 billion ABS financing of Apollo’s acquisition of Beequip from NIBC/Blackstone.
Acting for Apollo and Haydock Finance on the Hermitage public ABS takeout of UK equipment leases (with responsibility as transaction counsel for drafting all documents).
Worked on five CLOs for Goldman Sachs (CVC Cordatus 30, Hayfin XIII, Henley VII refinancing, Ares XIV reset, and Blackrock XV).
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
Paul Severs; Miles Flynn; Cameron Saylor
Other key lawyers
James Baillie; Brian Maher; Victoria Morton; Simon Nikolov