Taylor Wessing LLP‘s banking and finance department provides clients with a cross-practice offering, collaborating closely with the firm’s wider real estate, construction, private client, and tax groups to advise both lenders and borrowers. This integrated service model is reflected in its joint leadership, as co-head Heather Buttle focuses on development transactions surrounding residential, student accommodation, and build-to-rent assets, and fellow co-head Jonathan Marks specialises in acquisition and refinancing transactions. The team’s expertise in complex capital structures is further enhanced by Gareth Lawson, who is noted for his focus on preferred equity lending and mezzanine arrangements.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The firm has strong, relationship-driven teams with robust market knowledge and the ability to undertake cross-border transactions.'
- 'Gareth Lawson is a stand-out individual at Taylor Wessing, providing concise, clear, and highly accurate summaries of legal positions for lenders to understand and make decisions on. He is highly knowledgeable and able to negotiate based on facts and a balanced assessment of the risk position.'
- 'This practice stands out for its strong partner engagement, delivering personalised and collaborative service that builds lasting trust. The team’s strengths include exceptional quality, commercial insight, and a focus on providing excellent value for money. Compared to other firms, they combine deep expertise with a clear understanding of client goals, ensuring practical and impactful solutions.'
- 'Heather Buttle stands out for her exceptional professionalism, deep expertise, and genuine commitment to client success. What differentiates Heather from competitors is her ability to combine strategic insight with a personable approach, making complex challenges manageable and fostering strong, trust-based relationships. Her proactive communication and attention to detail consistently deliver high-quality outcomes.'
- 'Incredible access to partners on all transactions in addition to a rounded team of senior associates and trainees. Very cost effective for the London market and excellent quality of work.'
- 'They have been on our panel for several years and grown to know exactly what we want on transactions - they also support and train our junior team through the transaction management and closing process.'
Key clients
- AllianceBernstein
- ESR Europe
- Tristan Capital Partners LLP
- BentallGreenOak
Work highlights
Acted for a syndicate of mezzanine lenders comprised of AllianceBernstein and Castlelake lending vehicles in relation to a senior and mezzanine refinancing of a portfolio of 17 hotels in the UK owned by ProsperCap, a company listed in Singapore and supported by Thailand’s DTGO Corporation.
Acted for ESR Europe in relation to a loan facility arranged by ESR Europe and made available to a UK company in order to refinance existing indebtedness secured against a Park Lane hotel and to provide finance for a subsequent refurbishment of the property.
Acted for Tristan in respect of their financing of the acquisition and development of a portfolio of self-storage assets located across Germany by Carlyle Europe Realty and operated by FTSE 250 company, Safestore under the myStorage brand.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Gareth Lawson
Practice head
Heather Buttle; Jonathan Marks
Other key lawyers
Gareth Lawson