Squire Patton Boggs is pleased to announce that James Collis is joining the firm as a partner in its Financial Services Practice in the London office. Mr. Collis was formerly Managing Partner of Ashurst, and most recently a partner in its Banking Practice, focusing on acquisition finance and general banking law.
Jane Haxby, European Managing Partner, said: “James is one of the city’s leading legal professionals, an outstanding practitioner in finance law, and a skilled and highly respected managing partner who has successfully overseen one of the largest law firm mergers and who has implemented numerous new development programmes and strategic initiatives. His 20 years’ experience in banking matters is global in scope, and he has advised on numerous complex and cross-border acquisition and leveraged finance matters. In addition to the UK, he has particular knowledge and experience of working in the Paris market. We are delighted that James is joining us. Our London office is of strategic importance to our global firm and we will continue to build in key areas, including corporate, financial services and international dispute resolution.”
Paula Laird, co-chair Banking and Debt Finance, added: “James is a great addition to the team, increasing our profile in the alternative capital space and adding real strength and depth to our leveraged finance offering, both cross-border and domestic.”
Mr. Collis said: “I am delighted to be joining such a great firm with a great culture, and to be doing so at such an exciting moment in the firm’s development.”
Appointed Ashurst’s managing partner in 2012, Mr. Collis served as the inaugural managing partner of the merged firm from 2013 to 2016, with overall global responsibility for its development and operations.
Specialising in banking and finance law since training at Ashurst in the 1990s, Mr. Collis’ broad experience includes advising on corporate and cross-over credit, as well as cross-border acquisition finance and restructuring transactions.
Prior to his appointment as managing partner in London, Mr. Collis was a Finance partner in Paris for seven years (2005-2012). During that time, he advised many major French and international businesses on leveraged finance, restructuring, and other financing matters. A graduate of Durham University and the College of Law, Guildford, Mr. Collis is also a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program. He is a French, Russian and Mandarin speaker.
Source: www.squirepattonboggs.com
