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Stephenson Harwood LLP

Asset Finance: Rail Finance

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide

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Stephenson Harwood LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Asset Finance: Rail Finance - UK-wide

Band 3

What the Team is Known For

Stephenson Harwood has an impressive asset finance practice with ability across shipping, rail and aviation matters. The firm's notable rail finance practice advises on rolling stock procurement and leasing structures. It handles strong shipping finance work with international banks and ship owners on tax leasing, restructurings and ship sale and purchase. The firm's experience in aviation deals includes financing for passenger and freight aircraft. It is also noted for its counsel on complex plant and machinery financings.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Stephenson Harwood advised Gearbulk on the restructuring of its financing arrangements in connection with a corporate reorganisation.

  • Stephenson Harwood acted for ComfortDelGro on its bid for the Docklands Light Railway operating and maintenance contract.

  • Stephenson Harwood acted for Fuyo and Aircraft Leasing and Management as lead transaction counsel on a series of lease transactions and secondary acquisitions of aircraft.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Stephenson Harwood is one of the firms with the largest network, providing relevant expertise when needed for global issues.

    Asset Finance: Rail Finance respondentUK

  • The Stephenson Harwood team are proactive and intuitive. They do not require handholding to complete a transaction.

    Asset Finance: Rail Finance respondentUK

  • Stephenson Harwood made it relatively easy to understand the legal ramifications of deal terms, which in turn helped us formulate the best way to proceed.

    Asset Finance: Rail Finance respondentUK

  • They can call upon skills, experience and knowledge from across many departments within the business.

    Asset Finance: Rail Finance respondentUK

  • In the maritime space, they are a key law firm and always on top of recent developments.

    Asset Finance: Rail Finance respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Ian Mace
    Ian Mace

    Ian Mace

    Ian Mace has extensive experience regularly working with financial institutions and ship owners on large transactions, including the sale and leaseback of oil tankers and vessels. He heads the global ship finance group at the firm.

    • Ian is one of the best ship finance lawyers in the market. He is commercial and extremely knowledgeable. His advice is valued by his clients.

      Asset Finance: Rail Finance respondentUK

    • Ian's key strength is bridging commercial gaps between borrower and lender by being able to understand demands from both perspectives.

      Asset Finance: Rail Finance respondentUK

    • His shipping experience, professionalism and great communication have been an asset during negotiations and strategy sessions.

      Asset Finance: Rail Finance respondentUK

    • Ian deserves his reputation as the leading practitioner in his field.

      Asset Finance: Rail Finance respondentUK
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  • Stuart McAlpine
    Stuart McAlpine

    Stuart McAlpine

    Stuart McAlpine is an experienced practitioner who focuses on ship finance work. His practice includes advising clients on cross-border financings of LNG vessels. He has worked for notable clients including both commercial operators and intergovernmental organisations.

    • We go to Stuart with all of our English law asset and ship finance questions and always get a well-reasoned, commercially astute reply.

      Asset Finance: Rail Finance respondentUK

    • Stuart was very flexible and very helpful in facilitating meetings with clients from all over the world.

      Asset Finance: Rail Finance respondentUK
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  • Julie Clegg
    Julie Clegg

    Julie Clegg

    Julie Clegg is a partner in the firm's London office and has a notable ship financing practice. She handles various transactions, including loan facility agreements, with experience working on both hydrocarbon vessels and luxury ships.

    • She is very strong here and has been a name in the cruise space.

      Asset Finance: Rail Finance respondentUK
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  • James Collins
    James Collins

    James Collins

    James Collins is developing a strong aviation finance practice. He advises on a range of issues including sale and leasebacks, enforcement of contracts and syndicated facilities.

    • James is quite practical and knowledgeable, and he is solutions-oriented.

      Asset Finance: Rail Finance respondentUK

    • James provides industry insights and top-level service, and has a knowledgeable team supporting him.

      Asset Finance: Rail Finance respondentUK
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  • Richard Parsons
    Richard Parsons

    Richard Parsons

    Richard Parsons is the global head of aviation at the firm and adept at handling a range of transactions in the space. He often works with banks and operating lessors, regularly advising on purchases, conversions and lease agreements.

    • Richard Parsons is very seasoned professional, very experienced.

      Asset Finance: Rail Finance respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Stephenson Harwood LLP (5)

UK-wide

Stephenson Harwood LLP has rankings in the following guides

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