Addleshaw Goddard is reputed for the depth of its expertise in the social housing finance sector, acting for major lenders and investors in the full range of finance matters. The team is well-equipped to handle debt financing, refinancing, and restructuring issues, as well as mergers and property security due diligence transactions. The Leeds-based Lee Shankland-Gort is at the helm of the practice and advises on all aspects of social finance, green finance and sustainability-linked lending. Nick Barlow has vast experience in refinancing and sustainability-linked loans, while Jennie Chilton leads the social housing finance property security practice and advises on securing large social housing portfolios for bank lending. Other core members of the team include debt capital markets head Beth Collett; Helen Hunter, who advises lenders on restructuring debt; and Steve Mackie, who has experience in large debt transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Deep understanding of the sector, commercial approach. Translates legal requirements into practical commercial advice.’
‘Addleshaws is the pre-eminent law firm acting for lenders in the Social Housing Finance sector. They are knowledgeable, experienced, available, and always go the extra mile.’
‘Geoffrey McGinley: As well as being an excellent lawyer with wide sector knowledge, he always adds value to the relationship with us as a client. ’
- 'Sector leaders, responsive and pragmatic.'
Key clients
- Barclays Bank PLC
- The Royal Bank of Scotland plc and National Westminster Bank Plc
- Santander UK plc
- Lloyds Bank plc
- Clydesdale Bank PLC
- HSBC UK Bank plc
- MUFG Bank, Ltd
- National Australia Bank Limited
- Nationwide Building Society
- ARA Venn
Work highlights
Acted for all the funders and private placement investors on (a) the consents required in relation to the merger between Bromford Housing Group (Bromford) and Flagship Housing Group (Flagship), (b) the amendments and restatements of c.£1.4bn of loan facilities to Bromford and Flagship and (c) £100,000,000 in new loan facilities from Royal Bank of Canada to the new merged borrower.
Acted for Situs as Security Agent for various funders on the rolling programme of property security work in respect of the numerous affordable housing acquisitions by Sage Housing Group (Sage), which is the largest for profit registered provider in the sector.
Acted for all of the lenders on all aspects of the merger of Abri Group and Octavia Housing (and the necessary consents under existing facility agreements).
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Jennie Chilton
Beth Collett
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Helen Hunter
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Geoffrey McGinley
Louise Wood
Practice head
Lee Shankland-Gort
Other key lawyers
Nick Barlow; Jennie Chilton; Beth Collett; Helen Hunter; Steve Mackie; Louise Wood; Geoffrey McGinley