Edward Downer joins Ropes & Gray

In a significant move for the firm, Ropes & Gray announced on September 22, 2026, that renowned restructuring lawyer Edward Downer has joined as a partner in its London office. Known for his exceptional advisory work on complex cross-border matters, Downer brings a wealth of expertise to the team. “Our clients need us to move seamlessly across borders, and we have been building the global capabilities to do exactly that – Edward is the latest example of the exceptional talent joining us in Europe as part of that client-focused build," expressed Julie Jones, Chair of Ropes & Gray.

The firm’s hire of Downer comes at a time of intensifying restructuring activity within European markets. As credit conditions tighten and cross-border liability management exercises increase, the demand for skilled advisers who excel across jurisdictions is on the rise. “Edward has a rare ability to see the whole board in a restructuring – the cross-border angles, the commercial endgame – and to move decisively for clients," added Rachel Strickland, global chair of the business restructuring practice. She emphasised that his addition signifies the firm's ambitions for growth in London and Europe.

“Ropes & Gray's U.S. restructuring strength and London finance platform create the kind of integrated offering our clients need, and that few firms can match," said Downer. He expressed enthusiasm about helping the team establish something remarkable in London. The new partner primarily focuses on cross-border restructurings, liability management transactions, and insolvency proceedings.

Clients hold Downer in high esteem, describing him as "a great commercial strategist when it comes to insolvency and restructuring matters." His recognition is reinforced by accolades from Chambers UK 2026, where he is noted as "Up and Coming" in Restructuring/Insolvency, and The Legal 500 UK 2026, highlighting him as a Next Generation Partner in Corporate Restructuring & Insolvency.

Prior to joining Ropes & Gray, Edward Downer was a partner at another prominent international law firm, leading its restructuring and insolvency practice. His recruitment marks another strategic senior addition to Ropes & Gray's expanding European platform in 2026, underscoring the firm’s commitment to growth in key markets including London, Milan, and Paris.