The banking and finance team at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP leverages the firm’s national network and collaborates with its planning and construction practices to service banks and other investors with their real estate transactions. The group is led by Nicola Giddens, who is sought after for her expertise in loan facilities for residential and commercial properties. Joe Dean is another key practitioner in the team. Will Fraser departed the firm in February 2025, joining Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The firm's key strength is its people. It is well-resourced, supported, and has expertise in most, if not all, disciplines.'
- 'The firm has a wide reach, not just across the UK but also abroad, particularly through its US affiliates.’
- ‘Joe Dean and Nicola Giddens are highly skilled and always available to guide and answer questions without making clients feel uncomfortable. Based on their work with professional partners, it is clear their clients receive a high standard of service.’
- 'This team distinguishes itself through a combination of deep industry expertise, client-centric service delivery, and a proactive, forward-looking approach to problem-solving.'
- 'The individuals I’ve worked with at WBD consistently distinguish themselves through a rare combination of technical excellence, commercial acumen, and genuine client focus.'
- 'What truly sets them apart is their ability to deliver clear, strategic advice that aligns with our business objectives—not just legal answers, but actionable guidance.'
Key clients
- Lloyds Bank Plc
- HSBC UK Bank Plc
- Santander UK Plc
- Union Bancaire Privee, UBP SA
- Coutts & Co
- Hampden & Co plc
- Handelsbanken Plc
- AgFe
- ICICI Bank UK plc
- Atelier Capital Partners Limited
- Hilltop Credit Partners
- Oaknorth Bank Plc
Work highlights
Acted on behalf of the syndicate of lenders in relation to the Helical Plc £210m refinance and ongoing releases and accessions.
Advised AgFe on the loan facilities, ongoing property accession transactions, and general loan management in relation to £90m and £60m loan facilities to a real estate fund.
Advised the JV vehicle of Gatehouse Investment Management and Greykite on their £52m loan facility secured against a large portfolio of residential assets.
Practice head
Nicola Giddens; Tom Caplen; Charlie Reid
Other key lawyers
Joe Dean