CMS has a ‘team of outstanding lawyers who drive to get deals done in a commercial manner’. The firm is well known for its expertise in cross-border matters and provides tailored advice on a wide variety of financial transactions, with a particular focus on project finance, fund financing, real estate financing, and derivatives mandates. Gordon Hay heads up the team and has a practice that largely concentrates on borrower instructions in the energy sector. Caryn Miller has recently acted for major clearing banks and real investment trust managers on complex refinancings, while Stephen Phillips is a trusted adviser to a host of trade bodies. Alan Fulton is a leveraged and acquisition finance specialist, and Jenny Allan is another key name for the firm’s energy sector clients. Darren Craig is prolific in the real estate and renewables space, while Michael Urquhart predominantly engages with the financing aspects of PFI projects. Fiona Henderson was promoted to partner in 2024 and has notable fintech and digital asset expertise.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘CMS are highly commercial lawyers. Responsive and approachable.’
‘A team of outstanding lawyers, who give their time and drive to get deals done in a commercial manner.’
‘Very senior support provided every step of the way. A very pragmatic approach adopted, with early recognition of what works and assists in meeting the programme. Detailed understanding of the wider critical path and their role therein.’
‘Mike Urquhart is very experienced and respected within the project banking sector. Has credibility and often brings more to the table, contributing to a can-do approach and working hard to ensure that the deal gets across the line. Very strong communicator.’
‘I think that the practice is strong and has good expertise. We deal mainly with Jenny Allan and find her to be very responsive. We certainly get a superior quality of service from Jenny and her team.'
‘We work mainly with Jenny Allan and she's just brilliant - very proactive, sensible and pragmatic advice.’
Key clients
- Barclays Bank plc
- TP24
- Venterra Limited
- Santander UK Plc
- International Swaps and Derivatives Association Inc. (ISDA)
- Mitsubishi HC Capital UK plc
- Virgin Money
- Close Leasing Limited
- Hokodo
Work highlights
- Advised Barclays Bank plc on the refinancing of existing debt in respect of a portfolio of 8 hotels.
- Advised TP24 on £240m senior and mezzanine facilities provided by Barclays and M&G Investments in respect of TP24’s UK and Dutch portfolios.
- Advised Novuna on its project financing of a 28.5MW Bracon Ash Solar Farm.
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.
Practice head
Gordon Hay
Other key lawyers
Caryn Miller; Stephen Phillips; Alan Fulton; Jenny Allan; Darren Craig; Michael Urquhart; Fiona Henderson