LAWYER PROFILE

Thomas Smith

UK 2026

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Ranked in 1 practice area

Banking & Finance: Fund Finance

UK-wide

1 year ranked

About

Provided by Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

UK

Practice Areas

Thomas Smith is a partner in the London office of Debevoise & Plimpton. He acts for borrowers, sponsors, funds and financial institutions on a wide range of financing transactions, including complex acquisition and leveraged finance transactions (both syndicated bank loan and high-yield transactions) at all levels of the capital structure, and capital call facilities and other alternative capital transactions for investment funds. Mr. Smith was named by The Drawdown in its list of the most influential experts in fund finance, stating that “Smith has become a key driver in establishing ‘what is the market.’”

Publications

Mr. Smith is the co-author of “Side letters - Pitfalls and perils for a financing,” Global Legal Insights - Fund Finance Laws and Regulations 2024 (January, 2024); “Debevoise & Plimpton on a new string in fund finance’s bow,” Private Equity International (January, 2021); “Subscription Lines’ ESG Revolution,” Private Equity International (December, 2020); “What You Need To Know About Sub Lines For SMAs,” Private Debt Investor (August, 2018); “Mega-Funds and Their Mega-Financings,” Private Equity International (February, 2018); and “Fund Finance Focus: Don’t Neglect The Positives,” Private Debt Investor (July, 2017). He also provided input to the European High Yield Association on precedent development.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession

Banking & Finance: Fund Finance - UK-wide

Band 1

Individual Editorial

Thomas Smith is well regarded in the market for his strong fund finance practice. His diverse client base includes both mid-market and high-end sponsors as well as lenders, for whom he acts on complex cross-border transactions, including NAV facilities, subscription lines and portfolio acquisition financings. He has additional experience advising corporates on big-ticket bank borrowing matters.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Thomas Smith is probably the best lawyer in the London fund finance space.
Banking & Finance: Fund FinanceChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Tom leverages his deep market knowledge and experience. He is undoubtedly in the top tier of the market, and we are very happy to have him on our side.
Banking & Finance: Fund FinanceChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Tom has firmly secured his place in the hall of fame for NAV financings.
Banking & Finance: Fund FinanceChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Tom is one of the best lawyers in the fund finance market.
Banking & Finance: Fund FinanceChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Tom is in tune with the market. He can tell us what is off-market, what's on the table, and what we could try pushing for but risk not getting. It results in a very efficient process.
Banking & Finance: Fund FinanceChambers Guide to the Legal Profession