William Fry Wins Innovative Lawyers in Restructuring Category at FT Innovative Lawyer Awards Europe
[ William Fry also ranked most innovative law firm in Ireland ]
London, 19 September 2025 – Leading Irish law firm William Fry LLP (William Fry) has won the Innovative Lawyers in Restructuring award at the prestigious Financial Times Innovative Lawyer Europe Awards 2025.The awards ceremony, which took place at the Natural History Museum in London last night, brought together over [500] leading legal professionals from around Europe to celebrate excellence and innovation in the legal sector.[ The firm has also been ranked as the Most Innovative Law Firm in Ireland in the FT Innovative Lawyer Report 2025, published today. ]
William Fry received the Innovative Lawyers in Restructuring award for its lead role in the refinancing of the capital structure of Home for Life. Through its participation in the Irish government’s Mortgage to Rent Scheme, Home for Life has acquired a significant portfolio of Mortgage to Rent properties, which has enabled hundreds of mortgage holders in serious arrears to stay in their homes debt-free and has highlighted the powerful role private investment can play in the social housing sector. The refinancing further supports the growth of Home for Life, providing access to debt capital markets and paving the way for further investment in social housing initiatives. This was a complex refinancing transaction, replacing traditional loan structures with a private placement of senior and mezzanine notes from a leading European institution. The transaction was led by Lyn Brennan, a partner in William Fry's Banking & Finance Department and her team.
The FT Innovative Lawyers Awards are among the most respected accolades in the legal industry, recognising firms and individuals who are shaping the future of law through creativity, forward-thinking solutions and impact.
Commenting on the win Lyn Brennan said, “This project reflects the power of legal innovation to deliver real social impact, and I’m honoured that our work has been recognised at this level".
William Fry was also shortlisted in three other categories at the awards:
- Most Innovative law firm in Europe – recognising the firm’s overall commitment to innovation and excellence
- Innovative Lawyers in Unlocking Capital – for advising on the Legal & General Energy Transition Commodities UCITS ETF initiative, a pioneering project led by the Firms Asset Management & Investment Funds Department
- Innovative Practitioner – Dr. Barry Scannell, a partner in the firms Technology Department, whose work in emerging tech regulation and AI governance has positioned him as an international thought leader in the field
[William Fry is also ranked as the most innovative law firm in Ireland in the FT Innovative Lawyer Europe 2025 Report which was published today. The report ranks the 50 most innovative law firms in Europe, with William Fry achieving [ ], the highest placement among Irish firms. ]
Stephen Keogh, Managing Partner at William Fry, said, “William Fry has had an exceptional year advising on some of the most sophisticated, complex and innovative deals and cases in Europe. I'm delighted that the hard work Lyn and her team have put into the Home for Life transaction has received the recognition it deserves by winning this prestigious award. This award,[ and the FT Innovative Report ranking], reinforces our place as the corporate law firm of choice in the Irish market.”