Helming high-profile deals for a mix of leading industry players, Burness Paull LLP demonstrates expertise across an array of financing transactions with a particularly robust acquisition and leveraged finance practice. The real estate and energy industries continue to be at the forefront of the firm’s sector focus, and its highly experienced integrated funds team attracts instructions from a wide host of investors and major pension funds. Paula Kennedy and Jonathan Heaney co-head the practice, with the latter noted for his real estate related activity. Dawn Reoch compliments her cross-border prowess with expert knowledge of leveraged finance, while John Kennedy is a ‘very experienced lawyer’ in the energy space, handling project financings, corporate financings, and restructurings. Alan Cassels has a broad lender and borrower practice and is often sought out for his loan portfolio sale and securitisation expertise. Sophie Coffey and Gemma Young support on an array of financings.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I have worked with the Burness Paull team headed by Jonathan Heaney for several years. A very professional, flexible and commercial approach is brought to all transactions. Their approach offers pragmatism whilst ensuring the bank's interests are protected.
- 'The team's depth of experience in the firm allows them to cover all bases across a transaction.’
‘Jonathan Heaney leads a strong team with day to day Banking matters managed by Gemma Young. Both provide hands on support, managing the internal relationships with the firm and ensuring timely and professional communications.'
‘Dawn Reoch is stand out. One of the best banking lawyers I have ever worked with in the UK.’
‘John Kennedy is pragmatic and sensible on transactions. A very experienced lawyer.’
‘The Burness Paull team are without doubt one of the best pound-for-pound banking teams within the Scottish market. The blend of experience and commercial insight is expectational; they are our go to team in the banking market.’
‘From partner level down to trainee, the Burness Paull team are second to none. Their speed of response, legal knowledge and ability to negotiate with the other side make them standout in the wider market.'
‘John Kennedy - super responsive and user friendly. ’
Key clients
- Marathon Asset Management
- Serica Energy plc
- Macdonald Hotels
- Smart Metering Systems plc
- Sanctuary Capital PLC and Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association
- i3 Energy
- Liberty of London
- Cruden Homes
- Santander UK plc
- Royal Bank of Scotland plc
Work highlights
- Advised Serica Energy plc as lead counsel on its $525m (with $525m accordion) syndicated secured reserves base facility agreement structured and co-ordinated by DNB Bank ASA, London Branch, Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, and ING Bank N.
- Acted as lead counsel for Marathon Asset Management, L.P. / HICP Holdings Limited in relation to the refinancing of a portfolio of Marriott and IHG branded hotels.
- Advised North Kyle Wind Farm Limited on the financing of the development of its wind farm in Ayrshire.
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Sophie Coffey
Practice head
Paula Kennedy; Jonathan Heaney
Other key lawyers
Dawn Reoch; John Kennedy; Alan Cassels; Sophie Coffey; Gemma Young