Press Release

Law firm Shoosmiths has bolstered its banking and finance practice in London with two key appointments in a further display of its strategic focus on growing and strengthening its real estate finance offering in the UK.

James Spencer and Paul Hynes have both joined from international US law firms as real estate finance partners within Shoosmiths’ banking and finance team and will be based in London.

James Spencer, who has over 20 years’ experience and is described in the current edition of Legal 500 as “very knowledgeable” and “goes the extra mile” was previously partner and co-head of the real estate finance team in the London office of Alston & Bird.

James brings extensive experience of advising lenders, loan agents and servicers, borrowers, and investors on all aspects of real estate finance, including investment and development facilities across office, retail, hotels, logistics and student accommodation, and with a wealth of experience across a variety of financing types, including whole loans, senior and mezzanine loans, A/B loans, securitisable loans and loan on loans.  

Paul Hynes joins from Katten Muchin Rosenman where he was a senior associate and prior to then was of Herbert Smith Freehills both in London and Sydney. He also has spent a substantial amount of his career on the client side acting in both commercial and in-house roles, which gives him a unique perspective and understanding of the investment origination and execution process. He too has extensive experience advising on all aspects of real estate financings across the capital stack and across all major asset classes. 

The appointment of Paul and James to the London team follows that of real estate finance partner Chris Mills last year.

(Left to right, Liz Sweeney, Paul Hynes, Rebecca Mauleverer, James Spencer and Chris Mills) 

Shoosmiths’ real estate finance partner, James Spencer said: “I am thrilled to have joined Shoosmiths’ real estate finance team in London at such a pivotal time for the business. Shoosmiths has a real desire to grow its real estate finance offering in London and establish itself as a dominant force in the REF mid-market. The response from clients since my arrival has been fantastic with a number of significant ongoing mandates coming through, and I’m looking forward to playing my part in the continued growth of the firm.”

Shoosmiths’ real estate finance partner, Paul Hynes said: “It is exciting to join Shoosmiths at this time in the market and at this stage of implementation of their strategy. Shoosmiths has already carved an impressive profile in the industry, leveraging the depth of its real estate experience and resource. I look forward to showing our clients we really understand they need their lawyers to drive their investment process and deliver on managing risk and execution certainty.”

Rebecca Mauleverer, head of Shoosmiths’ national banking and finance team said: “We are delighted to welcome James and Paul to Shoosmiths. These exciting appointments are part of the ongoing focussed growth of the national banking and finance team, enabling us to continue to develop a diverse client base across the UK and beyond.”

Liz Sweeney, head of Shoosmiths real estate finance team said: “The joint talent and expertise of Paul and James will bring real ‘bench strength’ to our real estate finance team at a crucial time for our sector and allow us to continue to focus on what matters to our clients.”

The team has also added five newly qualified members to its banking and finance team across the UK.