London, 20 May 2005 – LAWFUEL – The Law News Network – Baker & McKenzie announced today that it will be significantly expanding its structured finance and capital markets practices with the addition in London of a team of four partners from Norton Rose. The team comprises Jonathan Walsh, Head of the International Securities Group at Norton Rose, Vincent Keaveny, Simon Porter and Bruce Somer.
Jonathan Walsh is a specialist in securitisation transactions, and has acted for investment banks, corporates, arrangers and sponsors on a variety of UK and international securitisation and repackaging transactions including synthetic structures, asset backed securities issues and asset-backed commercial paper conduits. He began his career at Clifford Chance, joining Norton Rose in 1995. He became a partner in 1997 and was named head of Norton Rose’s International Securities Group in 2000.
Securitisation specialist Vincent Keaveny advises arrangers, originators and rating agencies on securitisation transactions in the UK and Europe. He is widely recognised as a leading advisor on Portuguese securitisation transactions.
Bruce Somer focuses his practice on derivatives, treasury risk management and structured finance. He has represented leading financial institutions, investment funds and multinational corporations both within the UK and internationally. He has advised on a wide range of derivative structures, synthetic securitisations, structured capital markets products as well as repos and stock lending.
Simon Porter specialises in capital markets. His main areas of practice include UK corporate bond issues, equity-linked products, regulatory capital issues, medium-term note programmes, CDOs and alternative risk transfer products. His practice also includes advising rating agencies and corporate trustees involved in Eurobond issues, structured finance and securitisations.
Commenting on the move, John Conroy, Chairman of the Executive Committee, said, “We are very pleased to welcome this group of outstanding practitioners to Baker & McKenzie. Our ability to attract lateral talent of the calibre of this team is a testament to our increasing reputation in this core part of our global business”.
Gary Senior, Managing Partner of Baker & McKenzie, London, added: “This is a very welcome and significant enhancement to our structured finance and capital markets practices in London. We look forward to leveraging the skills and experience of the team to further develop our practice. On a personal note, I would like to congratulate Jonathan and the team as the first ever team of lateral partners to join us in London – a fitting tribute to their exceptional talent and skill.”
