Dechert has expanded its Global Finance and Litigation practices with the hires of structured finance partner John McGrath, and structured finance disputes partner Simon Fawell. The team joins Dechert’s London office from Sidley Austin LLP.
John McGrath, a senior structured finance partner, primarily represents funds and other buy-side parties on a wide range of financial products often involving enforcement or restructuring of derivatives, securitizations and other structured financings. He works closely and with Simon Fawell on disputes involving structured financings.
Simon Fawell focuses his practice on complex structured finance disputes, advising on a wide range of subject areas including banking, structured finance, derivatives, commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), asset financing and leasing. Mr. Fawell also advises more broadly on cybersecurity, insurance and reinsurance, infrastructure and projects, funds and contentious regulatory matters. He also advises on jurisdiction and enforcement issues connected with Brexit.
“These are significant hires, adding further depth and breadth to Dechert’s global finance team,” said Richard D. Jones, co-leader of the Global Finance practice group, “There is strong strategic alignment between John’s and Simon’s practices and the firm’s existing lending and funds client base, so these appointments will support the firm’s planned growth.”
“London is a key focus for investment for the firm and the combined expertise of John and Simon across securitization and disputes will add bench strength and enhance our London offering,” added London Management Committee chairman Gus Black. These hires closely follow the appointments of partners Sarah Smith who also joined the Global Finance practice, Thiha Tun, Michelle Bradfield and Marianna Tothova to the firm’s London office this year.
With more than 150 lawyers in the world’s major financial centers, Dechert’s Global Finance practice represents leading investment banking firms, insurance companies, public and privately held corporations, private equity sponsors, hedge funds, mezzanine lenders, commercial real estate, and private equity lenders across a full range of finance services.
Dechert’s Global Litigation practice handles some of the largest, most complex, domestic and multijurisdictional disputes in the world. The practice comprises approximately 350 lawyers operating across 21 offices in the United States, Europe, Middle East and Asia.
