At Squire Patton Boggs ‘the depth of knowledge and attention to detail are unmatched’. Geraldine Butac is a key adviser to banks, specialist financial institutions and corporates on trade and commodity finance. The firm’s trade finance team sits within its global commodities and shipping practice and remains committed to developing its market presence. The latest move on this front is the hire in 2025 of experienced partners Philip Prowse and Jameel Tarmohamed from Stephenson Harwood. Prowse has in-depth knowledge of the financing of international energy supplies, as well as hard and soft commodities. His work encompasses finance, security and documentation for global supply chain contracts. Clients remark that ’the team demonstrates a genuine commitment to client service’.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'In-depth expertise in the area of trade finance, and this is carefully blended with their sensitivity to business needs. The sum of this skill set allows clients to make informed decisions as significant players in the commodities space.’
‘Robert Parson and Geraldine Butac are long-time legal service providers to the organisations for whom I worked in the last 16 years. I am assured of the quality of service not only in the area of technical expertise but also in areas where they are able to successfully tap on the industry network and their global offices to provide the legal help, we need as a global player in the agri-space.'
- 'Their assessment of the issues are never just legal-centered, but coupled with a "realist" perspective of what are the industry practices and counterparty perspectives that impact our decision making. This value add allows a general counsel and senior management of the organizations to focus on the issues with the big picture in mind.’
‘We have worked extensively with the team at Squire Patton Boggs as our main counsel and continue to be impressed by their depth of expertise, commercial acumen, and responsiveness. They consistently deliver high-quality, practical legal advice tailored to the nuances of our business, particularly in complex cross-border trade finance matters. Their ability to coordinate seamlessly across jurisdictions, while maintaining clarity and efficiency, sets them apart. The team demonstrates a genuine commitment to client service and has become a trusted advisor and strategic partner in our most critical transactions.’
‘Robert Parson and Geraldine Butac have been instrumental in supporting our legal needs with a level of dedication and insight that consistently exceeds expectations. Robert brings a wealth of experience and a sharp strategic mind, offering commercially sound guidance on complex trade finance structures. Geraldine is exceptionally thorough and solutions-focused, often anticipating issues before they arise and ensuring smooth execution across transactions. Together, they form a highly effective team that combines technical excellence with a pragmatic, client-first approach, making them an invaluable asset to our business.’
‘Depth of knowledge and attention to detail are unmatched.’
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.
Jameel Tarmohamed
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Geraldine Butac
Other key lawyers
Geraldine Butac; Philip Prowse; Jameel Tarmohamed