Department profile
Slaughter and May

Restructuring/Insolvency

UK Guide 2026 : London (Firms)


Slaughter and May

Rankings

About

Provided by Slaughter and May

Any company, no matter how well managed, may experience financial difficulties. Economic downturns, refinancing risk, changing business models, new competitors and unexpected events can all create significant challenges. We have decades of experience of helping our clients navigate these issues, whatever their cause.

We advise on all stages and aspects of financial distress, from contingency planning, distressed investments, capital and corporate restructurings (including by way of scheme of arrangement, company voluntary arrangement and pre-packaged administration sale) and acquisitions and disposals, to formal insolvencies, both contentious and non-contentious.

We are recognised as the leading company-side firm in the market, and have extensive experience of advising the full range of stakeholders, including creditors, bond trustees, private equity firms, hedge funds, insolvency practitioners, central banks and governments.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Restructuring/Insolvency - London (Firms)

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

Slaughter and May maintains a standout practice which is regarded as a go-to for company-side representation in restructurings and distressed situations. The firm is frequently called upon to advise on complex and high-value restructurings and insolvencies, often with a multi-jurisdictional aspect. Its lawyers possess considerable experience handling government debt and bank restructurings. Slaughter and May also fields strength in creditor-side representations, with additional experience acting for insolvency practitioners.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Slaughter and May advised Ocado on the implementation of a liability management exercise to deal with its bonds and a linked set of amendments to its revolving credit facility.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Slaughter and May are very responsive and knowledgeable of the borrower perspective.

    Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK
  • Slaughter and May have nearly unrivalled listed corporate experience dealing with matters relating to company creditors.

    Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK
  • Slaughter and May have strong team dynamics and the ability to give detailed, objective advice.

    Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK
  • The Slaughter and May team are exceptionally conscientious, with a remarkable ability to quickly grasp complex, highly specific and often unprecedented circumstances.

    Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK
  • I see Slaughter and May as a fantastic restructuring law firm in the UK.

    Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 2Ian Johnson
    Band 2Ian Johnson

    Ian Johnson

    Ian Johnson is head of the restructuring and insolvency group at Slaughter and May, and is noted for his expert handling of high-value, international restructuring and insolvency matters for corporates, funds and directors.

    • Ian provides high-quality advice with good awareness of our business needs.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK
    • Ian Johnson is always calm and in control and an adviser who you want on your side in a complex situation.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK
    • Ian Johnson is incredibly present and he is always spot on with his advice.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK
    • Ian is a top adviser, very focused on his clients' needs. He is very thoughtful and measured.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK
  • Associates to watchKelly Joseph
    Associates to watchKelly Joseph

    Kelly Joseph

    Kelly Joseph is a gifted restructuring and insolvency associate working on complex mandates. She routinely represents clients in the cosmetics and oil and gas sectors.

    • Kelly is very fast, very responsive, with a quick turnaround time. She is lovely to work with.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK
    • Kelly Joseph is absolutely exemplary. Discreet, composed and deeply respectful throughout. We continue to feel completely safe and supported, knowing our case is in such capable hands.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK
    • Kelly has consistently delivered on-time and clear advice in a time-pressured environment.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Slaughter and May (2)

London (Firms)

Members

Provided by Slaughter and May

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