Leicester law firm launches banking and finance team

Leicester law firm Spearing Waite has launched a dedicated banking and finance team with the appointment of specialist banking lawyer, Haydon Simmonds, as a partner.

Simmonds has spent the past six years in London, most recently at Addleshaw Goddard and, prior to that, at Gateley. He qualified at Shoosmiths in 2008.

In his new role at Spearing Waite, he will lead and develop the firm’s specialist banking and finance team, working with corporate group head Martin Smith and real estate finance head, Nisha Gohel.

Simmonds said: “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for me at a law firm that is already highly regarded for its corporate and real estate capability.

“I have been inspired by the Spearing Waite culture which encourages ambition and entrepreneurialism, and I am very much looking forward to establishing the banking and finance team as a leading light in the Leicestershire and East Midlands region.”

Smith said: “Haydon brings an impressive pedigree in banking law and is an important new string to our bow. Banking brings its own set of complexities and, as businesses grow, they need the expertise of a specialist team to advise on their borrowing.

“This appointment comes on the back of a record year for Spearing Waite’s corporate team, which completed deals worth more than £300m.”

Senior partner Tom Bower said the appointment meant Spearing Waite is now the only Leicester firm with a banking law specialist: “I’m delighted that Haydon has joined us. His appointment means that clients involved in raising finance or banks providing finance can access specialist advice that is normally only available in the major cities – and at city rates.”