London Expansion Continues at Paul Hastings with Leading Structured Finance Team

September 01, 2016

London – Paul Hastings LLP, a leading global law firm, announced today that three structured finance partners will join the firm in London. The partners, Michael Smith, Diala Minott and Cameron Saylor, will join the firm from Ashurst LLP.

Their arrival continues the firm’s strategic additions of leading partners in key markets and growth areas. This team’s addition follows the June 2015 arrival of structured finance partners Scott Faga and Eugene Ferrer from Ashurst, where they were Global Co-Head of the Securities and Derivatives Group and Managing Partner for the U.S. Offices, respectively.

“Our London office is thriving and our leading global Finance practice is integral to that growth,” said Seth Zachary, chair of Paul Hastings. “Attracting top-tier talent like Michael, Diala and Cameron will help us continue to strengthen our London office and our Finance practice,” he added.

“We are welcoming these accomplished lawyers following years of significant growth in our Finance practice in London,” said Ronan O’Sullivan, chair of the London office. “We took significant steps forward with the arrival of high yield bond partner Peter Schwartz and leveraged finance partner Luke McDougall and with the addition of this new team, we will be able to offer clients an integrated, versatile practice with a connection to our market-leading structured finance team in New York and Washington, DC,” he added.

Michael Smith

Mr. Smith focuses on structured finance, securitization, capital markets, credit funds and derivatives. He has been a market leader in the structured finance market for over 20 years and has had a key role in the development of several financial products. Legal 500 cites him as, “a key adviser on CLOs, credit funds and regulatory issues.”

Diala Minott

Ms. Minott specializes in credit funds and CLOs with a particular expertise in Luxembourg regulated credit funds. Legal 500 has identified her as a “Rising Star.” She has advised numerous sponsors in connection with funds using a range of innovative structures.

Cameron Saylor

Mr. Saylor specializes in structured finance and securitization, with a particular emphasis on CLOs. He has a wide range of experience in structured finance and securitization, advising both arrangers/underwriters and collateral managers.

Before he joined Ashurst in January 2015, Mr. Saylor spent almost 8 years in the structured finance practice at a magic circle firm. He trained and worked as a lawyer in Canada prior to moving to London.

Paul Hastings’ Finance practices are at the forefront of the market. The Structured Credit and CLO practice was recently recognized as #1 Top Underwriter Counsel for U.S. CLOs by Asset-Backed Alert and is consistently recognized by Creditflux as a leading law firm.

At Paul Hastings, our purpose is clear — to help our clients and people navigate new paths to growth. With a strong presence throughout Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the U.S., Paul Hastings is recognized as one of the world’s most innovative global law firms.