Continue reading “Deals Yearbook 2022: The next generation of dealmakers”
Deals Yearbook 2022: The next generation of dealmakers
Leader: Now more than ever, succession is paramount
Truism alert – talent, especially in the ultra-competitive world of dealmaking, has never been in such high demand. It is interesting that, while this statement has been wheeled out ad infinitum to the point of becoming a platitude, the component parts of what constitutes legal talent are rarely analysed.
Continue reading “Leader: Now more than ever, succession is paramount”
Shining a light on the next generation of dealmakers
It’s no secret that the M&A markets have been busier than ever of the last 18 months. Here, UK Legal 500 editor Georgina Stanley asked some of those set to dominate the City deal market over the next ten years to take a short break from their negotiations to share their tips for success. All ten of the lawyers featured over the coming pages have demonstrated the client relationship and transactional skills required to secure their spots as Next Generation M&A partners in the UK Legal 500 2022. From the deals that have defined their careers, through to the importance of staying calm in a crisis and the growing significance of ESG considerations and legal tech, they offer their insight into the profession and its future.
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Marching on
‘People typically underestimate the innovative powers that are out there,’ reflects Rick van Aerssen, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’s global managing partner. ‘The adaptability of society has been significant. The way that the different economies have weathered the storm from the pandemic has been north of what we would have anticipated two years ago. I personally think the same will hold true for any crisis.’ Continue reading “Marching on”
Deals Yearbook 2022: Nick Withers, Shearman & Sterling – partner since 2020
What has been the absolute deal highlight of your career so far and why?
The refinancing of Eddie Stobart plc in late 2019 was a real highlight. Being able to navigate a complex situation, working as an integrated team with our financing colleagues, and deliver a great result for our client was very satisfying, doing so to save a company that is a household name even more so. After the transaction closed our client received a letter of thanks from one of Eddie Stobart’s long serving employees for saving the company, which really brought home the real-world significance of what we did. Continue reading “Deals Yearbook 2022: Nick Withers, Shearman & Sterling – partner since 2020”
Deals Yearbook 2022: Caroline Rae, Herbert Smith Freehills – partner since 2016
Why did you decide to become an M&A lawyer? Was there anyone in particular who inspired you early on in your career?
Once I had decided to become a lawyer there was never a doubt that I would specialise in M&A. When I was younger, I wanted to be in the cCty and to work on deals on the front page of the FT. For me, that meant M&A and it never crossed my mind that I would do anything else. It was a great source of disappointment when I realised that lawyers never get mentioned in the FT of course… but by then it was too late. When I interview graduates, I do encourage them to have an open mind about different areas of law, but I confess for me it was only ever M&A. Continue reading “Deals Yearbook 2022: Caroline Rae, Herbert Smith Freehills – partner since 2016”
Deals Yearbook 2022: Katherine Moir, Clifford Chance – partner since 2016
Why did you decide to become an M&A lawyer?
For the buzz, the teamwork, strategic problem solving, and intensive client contact – the opportunity to really embed relationships through a deal. Continue reading “Deals Yearbook 2022: Katherine Moir, Clifford Chance – partner since 2016”
Deals Yearbook 2022: Fionnghuala (Finn) Griggs, Linklaters – partner since 2017
Why did you decide to become an M&A lawyer? Was there anyone in particular who inspired you early on in your career?
I started off my training contract with Linklaters sitting in the M&A team and quickly realised that I really valued and enjoyed the opportunity to work closely with clients on strategically important transactions, and to work with a broad range of teams and offices within the Linklaters network. It’s a great way to build relationships. During that first seat I worked on a demerger of a company and its UK listing, and 15 years on I am still working with that company as a key client of the firm – which is a real testament to the opportunities that you have as an M&A lawyer to build relationships and become a trusted adviser. Continue reading “Deals Yearbook 2022: Fionnghuala (Finn) Griggs, Linklaters – partner since 2017”
Deals Yearbook 2022: Derek Tong, Linklaters – partner since 2019
Why did you decide to become an M&A lawyer? Was there anyone who inspired you early on in your career?
I sat with the M&A team in my second trainee seat and within a fairly short period I knew that I really wanted to qualify into that team. It felt like the M&A lawyers were at the centre of all the action and had more exposure to the broader commercial and strategic drivers for the deal. One of my mentors was our former corporate partner Iain Wagstaff, who sadly passed away a few years ago – I learnt an immeasurable amount from him and he was definitely one of the people who has inspired me most during my career. Continue reading “Deals Yearbook 2022: Derek Tong, Linklaters – partner since 2019”
Deals Yearbook 2022: Alex Tilley, Allen & Overy – partner since 2020
What has been the absolute deal highlight of your career so far and why?
Advising Liberty Global on its fixed and mobile UK telecoms joint venture in the UK to create what is now Virgin Media O2. We negotiated the transaction over a relatively short period right at the start of the first Covid lockdown, and it was amazing to watch a huge team adapt and still find a way to get the deal agreed. Continue reading “Deals Yearbook 2022: Alex Tilley, Allen & Overy – partner since 2020”