The world of restructuring and insolvency can be a complex and challenging landscape. When navigating through tough financial times, it is crucial to have access to the right legal expertise. We have compiled a list of the top 15 restructuring and insolvency law firms in London to help you make the right decision for your business. These firms offer a wealth of experience and expertise in handling both domestic and international insolvency matters, ensuring you are well-equipped to face any financial challenges that may arise.
XXIV Old Buildings – International insolvency experts
XXIV Old Buildings offers expertise in both domestic and international insolvency matters. The set’s barristers are particularly skilled in handling cases arising in offshore jurisdictions, such as the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and the Isle of Man. The team’s areas of expertise include complex administrations, liquidations, and voluntary arrangements for both companies and individuals.
Herbert Smith Freehills – Strong reputation for debtor representation
Herbert Smith Freehills possesses a strong restructuring and insolvency practice which is highly regarded for its representation of distressed debtors, particularly on deals in the energy and mining sectors. The firm also has an attractive offering on the lender side, acting on impressive instructions for high-profile financial institutions. Its lawyers have experience handling complex multi-jurisdictional mandates, notably concerning the European and US markets.
Hogan Lovells – Notable creditor-side team
Hogan Lovells has a notable creditor-side team with significant experience advising on complex domestic and cross-border transactions. The firm has an impressive international network of offices, enabling it to field multi-jurisdictional teams where needed. The business restructuring and insolvency group handles instructions for an impressive list of clients, including banks, bond trustees, and alternative lenders.
Clifford Chance LLP – Standout practice in sophisticated restructurings
Clifford Chance possesses a standout practice advising on sophisticated restructurings in the UK and abroad, with a focus on creditor-side representation. Its lawyers advise on both contentious and non-contentious work, with noted strength handling cross-border recovery and protection of creditor claims. The team is particularly strong when advising on mandates within the retail sector.
Serle Court – Highly regarded set for offshore insolvency matters
Serle Court is a highly regarded set for insolvency and restructuring matters, and is well positioned to handle cases arising in offshore jurisdictions, such as the Channel Islands, the Cayman Islands, and the Caribbean. Members are regularly instructed in both contentious and non-contentious matters, and are well versed in corporate and personal insolvencies.
Paul Hastings LLP – Well-regarded team for high-profile restructuring matters
Paul Hastings has a well-regarded team able to advise clients on high-profile contentious and non-contentious restructuring matters. Its clients include debtors and creditors, as well as other stakeholders. The department’s lawyers offer particular sector expertise in corporate, real estate, and structured finance. The team regularly advises on cross-border matters, with particular strength in providing coordinated advice on UK and US structures and proceedings.
Latham & Watkins LLP – Global practice with broad restructuring and insolvency capabilities
Latham & Watkins has a global practice with broad restructuring and insolvency capabilities. Its lawyers are strong on both the creditor and debtor sides, with particular proficiency advising on schemes of arrangement. The team is increasingly relied on by alternative lenders for special situations work.
Maitland Chambers – Strong bench of barristers experienced in a wide range of matters
Maitland Chambers houses a strong bench of barristers experienced in the handling of a wide range of restructuring and insolvency matters. The set also offers considerable expertise in personal insolvency matters, and members are routinely instructed to represent insolvent individuals. Insolvencies involving complex issues concerning property are also a key area of strength for the set.
4 Stone Buildings – Highly regarded for expertise in insolvency litigation
4 Stone Buildings is highly regarded for its expertise spanning a wide range of insolvency and restructuring matters. The set is particularly noted for its established strength in company law, and members are well regarded for their adroit handling of non-contentious restructurings and complex directors’ disqualification cases. The set is routinely instructed to act for and advise the government on an array of insolvency-related matters, and several of its junior members are on the Attorney General’s A Panels.
Slaughter and May – Go-to for company-side representation
Slaughter and May maintains a standout practice that is regarded as a go-to for company-side representation in connection with restructurings and distressed situations. Its lawyers possess considerable experience handling government debt and bank restructurings. Slaughter and May also fields strength in creditor-side representations, with additional experience acting for insolvency officials and the Official Receiver and Special Managers.
Wilberforce Chambers – Noted for impressive work on both corporate and personal insolvency matters
Wilberforce Chambers is noted for its impressive work tackling both corporate and personal insolvency matters. Members are frequently called upon to undertake cases arising both in the UK and further afield, and offer significant expertise in the handling of complex multi-jurisdictional disputes. The team is also regularly instructed in cases involving complex pensions and property elements.
Erskine Chambers – Considered a top choice in the market for complex cases
Erskine Chambers is highly regarded for its broad expertise spanning the full range of insolvency and restructuring matters. Drawing on the set’s recognised strengths in banking and finance, it is considered a top choice in the market for complex cases arising out of the collapse of financial institutions. The set’s tenants are frequently instructed in the most high-profile cases in the market, and have experience appearing before the Court of Appeal, the Privy Council and the Supreme Court.
Enterprise Chambers – Highly regarded set for restructuring and insolvency matters
Enterprise Chambers is a highly regarded set for restructuring and insolvency matters, and is regularly instructed to appear in complex cross-border disputes. The set houses a strong bench of barristers at both senior and junior levels who are noted for their expert handling of all manner of claims arising from corporate insolvencies. Members act for a wide range of clients including administrators, liquidators, financial institutions and insolvency practitioners.
Radcliffe Chambers – Offers expertise spanning a wide range of restructuring and insolvency matters
Radcliffe Chambers offers expertise spanning a wide range of restructuring and insolvency matters, including both corporate and personal insolvencies. Members are frequently called upon to undertake cases arising both in the UK and further afield, and offer significant expertise in the handling of liquidations and administrations, as well as CVAs and directors’ disqualification matters.
Norton Rose Fulbright – Strong presence in the market, with a focus on shipping, commodities, and mining sectors
Norton Rose Fulbright maintains a strong presence in the market, with a focus on work for clients in the shipping, commodities, and mining sectors. The firm’s global network enables it to act on international matters for banks, funds, and corporates. The financial restructuring and insolvency group is noted for its handling of complex loan restructurings, pre-packaged plans, and the sale and purchase of distressed assets.
In conclusion, these 15 law firms in London are highly regarded for their expertise in restructuring and insolvency matters. Each firm has its own particular areas of strength and experience, and companies facing these challenges should carefully consider their options and seek expert legal advice to achieve the best possible outcome.
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