Clarion strengthens banking and finance team

Clarion, a prominent legal firm, has bolstered its esteemed banking and finance team with strategic appointments, showcasing its commitment to growth and expertise in the field. The recent addition of Gresa Bakolli as an associate solicitor adds to the firm's dedicated team, which has steadily grown to 21 members over the last seven years.

Gresa Bakolli brings a wealth of experience, having trained at an international law firm where she collaborated with UK clearing banks and corporate borrowers on diverse transactions, ranging from debt and development to real estate and acquisition finance. This strategic move aligns with Clarion's goal of expanding its capabilities and providing comprehensive financial services to its clients.

In addition to the new appointment, Andrew Curtis has earned a promotion from senior associate to legal director, underscoring the firm's commitment to nurturing talent within its ranks. Curtis, with 13 years of banking experience, has been an integral part of Clarion's banking and finance practice for four years. His expertise spans various finance deals, including real estate finance, leveraged finance, private equity, and general corporate finance.

Ben Slack, a partner in Clarion's banking and finance team, expressed the importance of these appointments in the context of the firm's recent accomplishments. In 2023, Clarion successfully concluded transactions with a combined debt value exceeding £950 million, showcasing its robust performance in the financial sector. Slack highlighted the necessity of developing the careers of existing team members and recruiting fresh talent to match the evolving needs of clients and the expanding client base.

"We believe a key part of our success is our ability to advise on the full spectrum of financial services and the size and skillsets within the team," said Ben Slack. The firm takes pride in its resilience against current economic challenges and attributes its success to the team's ability to handle a wide array of financial services. Starting with just four lawyers in 2016, Clarion's banking and finance team has evolved into one of the largest and most dedicated teams in the North.

The 21-strong banking and finance team at Clarion, inclusive of three partners, offers a comprehensive range of financial advice. This spans corporate banking, leveraged finance, real estate and development finance, asset-based lending, alternative lending platforms, banking disputes, restructuring, and security enforcement. The team's growth, both in size and complexity, reflects not only the increasing scale of transactions but also an expanded geographic and international reach.

As Clarion continues to fortify its position in the banking and finance sector, these strategic appointments and promotions underscore the firm's commitment to delivering top-notch legal services and staying ahead in a dynamic and challenging financial landscape.