Department profile
Slaughter and May

Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability

Europe Guide 2026 : UK

Share profile

Slaughter and May

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability - UK

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Slaughter and May maintains a commanding position for its skill in the most sophisticated and high-value transactional work, especially public M&A. It can call upon a deep bench of lawyers capable of handling domestic and cross-border deals of the highest complexity. Its enviable roster of clients includes numerous FTSE100 companies operating across a range of sectors, including technology and financial services. The firm retains close relationships with investment banks and private equity sponsors.

View ranking table

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Slaughter and May advised Vodafone Group on the EUR8 billion sale of its Italian operations to Swisscom.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Slaughter and May gives excellent advice and the team is always available when you need them.

    Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope

  • I believe the department at Slaughter and May is peerless in its ability to deliver strategic M&A. In particular, the ability to think and plan several steps ahead in a process.

    Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope

  • The firm makes you feel like you are its only client and it is evident that it has excellent experience of many technically difficult situations.

    Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope

  • The Slaughter and May team delivers absolute top-notch legal services. The response time of the team is very quick and it is always available.

    Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • David Johnson
    David Johnson

    David Johnson

    David Johnson leverages years of experience working in corporate finance into an excellent transactional advisory practice. He is sought after for his counsel on high-end public and private M&A and joint ventures.

    • David's client service is excellent and he has commercial acumen.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope

    • David is very strong and responsive.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope

    • David is extremely experienced and he provides excellent client service and support.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope

    • David is very decisive when he gives advice. You can phone him and he recommends something with the answer.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope
    View profile
  • Roland Turnill
    Roland Turnill

    Roland Turnill

    Roland Turnill applies his standout expertise in the area to substantial transactions. He offers counsel on joint ventures, public takeovers and capital markets matters.

    • Roland has very good judgement, is trusted and well regarded.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope
    View profile
  • Simon Nicholls
    Simon Nicholls

    Simon Nicholls

    Simon Nicholls co-heads the firm's corporate group. He operates a broad practice with expertise in M&A and equity capital markets deals. He is relied on by a stable of clients composed of listed companies and investment banks.

    • Simon is a brilliant and user-friendly lawyer.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope

    • Simon has in-depth knowledge of the field and is always calm.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope

    • Simon provides excellent client service. He is able to analyse complex issues quickly and provide practical solutions.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope
    View profile
  • Sally Wokes
    Sally Wokes

    Sally Wokes

    Sally Wokes has a growing reputation among a number of FTSE100 companies. She is experienced in acquisitions, sales and strategic corporate reorganisations.

    • Sally is reliable and excellent at managing matters.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope

    • Sally is into the details and understands all of the key issues. She is also very responsive and provides pragmatic and commercial advice.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope
    View profile
  • Victoria MacDuff
    Victoria MacDuff

    Victoria MacDuff

    Victoria MacDuff is an accomplished corporate practitioner who represents clients across a broad spectrum of M&A. She has a proven track record of working with high-profile clients on notable transactions.

    • She has a phenomenal work ethic and ability to manage very large transaction teams that drive the process forward at a pace that other law firms simply cannot match. An excellent negotiating partner.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope

    • In addition to outstanding technical legal ability, Victoria brings vision, leadership and clarity to the most complex of strategic questions. She is everything that a client could wish for.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope

    • She has an extraordinary command of the detail which enables her to direct the team efficiently and focus efforts on the legal and commercial points that matter to me as a client.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope
    View profile
  • Paul Dickson
    Paul Dickson

    Paul Dickson

    Paul Dickson handles a range of transactional work, including corporate and finance. His clients include both private and listed companies and he is able to advise on M&A, private equity and ECM deals.

    • Paul has a good manner and doesn't get riled. He is strong for trickier, more complicated points.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope
    View profile
  • Richard Smith
    Richard Smith

    Richard Smith

    Richard Smith maintains notable experience on public and private M&A in addition to equity capital markets matters. He sits as co-head of the firm's corporate and M&A group.

    • Richard's knowledge and his ability to explain complex legal issues to non-legal people is outstanding. He is a remarkable lawyer with an incredible legal brain and talent.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope

    • Richard's calm and thoughtful demeanour means that he is uniquely liked and relied upon.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope

    • Richard is an excellent lawyer.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope
    View profile

Ranked Individuals at Slaughter and May (7)

UK

Slaughter and May has rankings in the following guides

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership