Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP has a ‘highly effective, diverse, technically capable, reliable and commercially astute team’. The firm’s 2025 merger with legacy firm Kramer Levin ties the UK group to a prominent US securitisation practice with a reputation for innovative, first-of-kind deals. That complements the strengths of the London team, which has seen an uptick in equity release/lifetime mortgage transactions, as well as maintaining a steady flow of work across other asset classes. Michael Poulton leads the UK securitisation team and clients praise his ’ ability to remain calm and decisive when challenges arise’. He recently advised arrangers Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets plc and Santander on West Bromwich Building Society’s £495m RMBS deal. Clients appreciate the ‘great technical knowledge’ of standout partner Joy Amis, who excels in public and private securitisation, portfolio acquisitions and forward flow transactions, domestically and cross-border, and counsel Charlene Kong who also handles warehouse lending deals. Victoria Salisbury is also highly regarded by companies.