Access ABL: Banking and Finance team interview with Ben Mahoney and Xavier Nicolo

Ben, head of the Banking and Finance team, discusses the range of transactions the team handles, including loan transactions, equity raisings, and complex restructurings. He highlights the broad scope of their work, noting, "In an average year, we handle a really broad cabinet of things. Loan transactions most obviously for lenders and borrowers, different types of equity raising, restructuring work... we tend to get involved where there's problems with debt"​​.

Xavier, a third-year lawyer, shares his experience working on a variety of deals. He emphasises the practical and hands-on nature of the work, stating, "Aspects of the transactional work that I enjoy the most are when you’re... starting with a very good comprehensive precedent that deals with the matters that need to be dealt with, but it's the amendments, the bespoke elements, and knowing your documents well"​​.

The episode also explores the collaborative environment within the Banking & Finance team at ABL. Ben comments on the importance of teamwork and mentorship, explaining, "The thing that I've always enjoyed about this firm is that juniors are encouraged to work amongst the teams. Very often someone will come to me saying 'oh there's a banking problem to this' or whatever and I'll say, well whoever the junior is in the commercial team or the litigation team can work with me and go cook up some answers"​​.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the day-to-day workings of the Banking & Finance team, including the variety of cases they handle and the supportive, collaborative culture that defines their practice. Xavier highlights the extensive client contact junior lawyers receive, sharing, "The very first time you receive a client call, which is usually towards the start of your grad year and you're being asked to provide advice on a matter, it's a bit of an adrenaline rush"​​.