Ranking tables
UK Northern Ireland Banking & Finance
Band 1
Band 2
Band 3
Cleaver Fulton Rankin
DWF
McKees
Shoosmiths LLP- Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP
- TLT NI LLP
Band 1
Band 3
Colm McElroy Arthur Cox
Julie Huddleston Tughans
Michael Kelly Shoosmiths LLP
Neil Logan Wilson Nesbitt- Stephen Cross Cleaver Fulton Rankin
- Caroline MacLaughlinTLT NI LLP
- Richard HoulistonTLT NI LLP
Up and Coming
Christopher Jessup A&L Goodbody
Damian McElholm Carson McDowell
Douglas Anderson Tughans- Jane BoydPinsent Masons Belfast LLP
Associates to watch
- Nichola CoghlanTLT NI LLP
- Seána DonaghyPinsent Masons Belfast LLP
Band 1
1 A&L GoodbodyBanking & Finance2023 | Band 1 |A&L Goodbody is a market-leading practice that represents lender-side and borrower-side clients. The firm is capable of handling a wide range of complex, high-value matters including recent work on acquisition financing and LIBOR transition. The team also demonstrates considerable strength in the regulatory and compliance aspects of Northern Irish banking.
Band 2
2 Arthur CoxBanking & Finance2023 | Band 2 |Arthur Cox has a full-service banking practice capable of handling a wide range of work for banks and private equity groups. Noted for its ability to advise clients in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the team counts with several specialists dual-qualified in other jurisdictions. The firm is particularly active on structured lending, property financing and loan book sales as well as acquisition and development finance.
2 Carson McDowellBanking & Finance2023 | Band 2 |Carson McDowell is a respected practice active on behalf of both domestic and international banks. The law firm advises on the full range of banking matters including acquisition finance, asset-based lending and project financing. It is particularly active advising clients on real estate finance, while regularly handling high-profile mortgage portfolio sales and complex refinancing. The team is capable of practising in both Northern Ireland and England & Wales.
2 TughansBanking & Finance2023 | Band 2 |Tughans is a widely respected practice known for its work in corporate finance and restructuring. The law firm is also strong on property and development finance as well as acquisition finance. The team maintains a strong, largely borrower-side practice, with experience in acting as Northern Irish legal counsel for multinational investors.
Band 3
3 Cleaver Fulton RankinBanking & Finance2023 | Band 3 |Cleaver Fulton Rankin has a well-regarded team noted for cross-border corporate lending. The firm is frequently involved in complex real estate and construction finance matters. It is also well placed to advise on regulatory issues. The team also acts for a roster of UK and European banks, as well as borrower-side institutions.3 DWFBanking & Finance2023 | Band 3 |DWF offers a respected team of solicitors with particular expertise in the real estate and development finance as well as corporate finance spaces. The team acts as lender-side counsel for banks and other financial institutions, but also has a notable borrower-side practice. The firm is particularly recognised for its ability to advise on cross-jurisdictional mandates.3 McKeesBanking & Finance2023 | Band 3 |McKees has an experienced and well-regarded team with recognised capabilities across the full range of banking and finance. The firm advises a number of leading international and domestic lenders. It regularly acts on cross-border acquisition finance matters and is also experienced in advising on real estate and development finance.3 Shoosmiths LLPBanking & Finance2023 | Band 3 |The Shoosmiths banking team in Belfast is a relatively new entrant to the market, having been formed in spring 2021 when two lawyers joined the firm from TLT. The group advises corporate borrowers and lenders on everything from acquisition financing through to real estate financing and asset-based lending.