US firm Cooley continues to recruit major lateral hires into its year-old London office as it has announced today (11 February) the appointment of senior finance partner John Clark (pictured) from Mayer Brown.
Clark represents lenders, borrowers, trustees and debt investors in connection with cross-border and domestic financing transactions, acquisitions and restructurings. He advises clients that operate in a range of sectors including aviation, finance, manufacturing and real estate.
Recognised as a leading lawyer by the Legal 500 for acquisition finance and bank lending, Clark previously represented Budapest Airport on the refinancing of €1.3bn of loans with a bank syndicate in 2014. Clark’s bank clients include Wells Fargo, which he advised on a €1bn financing for Hewlett-Packard subsidiaries.
His departure follows that of Mayer Brown’s co-head of restructuring, bankruptcy and insolvency Ashley Katz, who joined Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson in January to launch a restructuring practice.
Cooley London managing partner Justin Stock said: ‘John’s deep knowledge in handling complex debt and leveraged finance transactions will prove incredibly valuable for our client base. It’s great to get him on board.’
Last month Cooley invested in its disputes offering with the hire of Sullivan & Cromwell litigator Louise Delahunty.
The news follows the firm’s 2015 financial results posted this morning, showing revenue has risen 14% to $912m, while profit per equity partner increased by 9% to $1.9m, off the back of the firm’s London office launch in January last year.
sarah.downey@legalease.co.uk
