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Ranking tables

UK Northern Ireland Banking & Finance

This section covers advice provided to borrowers, sponsors and lenders. Chambers UK considers a broad array of banking work for its purposes, with areas looked at including acquisition finance, syndicated lending, leveraged finance, Islamic finance and refinancing issues. Outside of London, we will also consider Real Estate Finance Work (London has a dedicated Real Estate Finance table). In London, firms are ranked in Lower Mid-Market, Mid-Market or Big-Ticket tables for their work for Borrowers and Lenders (A deal with a value of up to £99 million will be considered lower mid-market, a deal with a value between £100 - £499 million will be considered mid-market and any deal £500 million or above will be considered big-ticket). We also rank firms for their work representing sponsors, as well as recognising individuals separately for their Fund Finance and Islamic Finance expertise.

1
Band 1
  1. A&L Goodbody
    1
    A&L Goodbody
    Banking & Finance
    2023 | 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.
2
Band 2
  1. Arthur Cox
    2
    Arthur Cox
    Banking & Finance
    2023 | 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 McDowell
    2
    Carson McDowell
    Banking & Finance
    2023 | 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.
  3. Tughans
    2
    Tughans
    Banking & Finance
    2023 | 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.
3
Band 3
  1. Cleaver Fulton Rankin
    3
    Cleaver Fulton Rankin
    Banking & Finance
    2023 | 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.
  2. DWF
    3
    DWF
    Banking & Finance
    2023 | 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. McKees
    3
    McKees
    Banking & Finance
    2023 | 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.
  4. Shoosmiths LLP
    3
    Shoosmiths LLP
    Banking & Finance
    2023 | 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.
  5. Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP
    Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 3
  6. TLT NI LLP
    Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 3