Arnold Bloch Leibler's Banking & Finance team is renowned for its expertise in handling a wide array of complex financial transactions. Regularly ranked as leading lawyers in the field, the team advises both lenders and borrowers on matters ranging from corporate and property finance to intricate restructuring and insolvency issues. Their client-centric approach and deep understanding of the market make them a go-to choice for navigating high-stakes finance deals.
In this Q&A, partner Ben Mahoney and senior associate Natalie Thomas share insights into the team's diverse practice, collaborative approach, and the strategic thinking that defines their work.
What types of transactions does the Banking & Finance team handle?
Ben: We handle a really broad range of matters. This includes loan transactions for both lenders and borrowers, different types of equity raising, and restructuring work, particularly where debt of some variety is involved. Most of our clients are long-standing and prominent in their markets, but we are also often engaged when a company is in financial trouble or needs restructuring due to some other crisis. If these problems can be successfully navigated, we often become their trusted advisors moving forward. We frequently work together with our Litigation team in restructuring matters.
Natalie: A significant part of our practice is property finance, which almost always involves collaboration with our Property team. Transactions of this type might involve the acquisition of a large portfolio of commercial properties, or a new residential, retail or office development. We also handle corporate finance, advising businesses on lending for various purposes. If a client is raising equity capital, for example as part of an IPO, we work with the Commercial team.
How does the team collaborate with other departments within ABL?
Ben: Collaboration is key to our approach. Sometimes we provide specialist advice on specific documents or arrangements to other teams. Other times, we form larger teams with experts from Tax, Employment, or Litigation to handle complex problems. ABL encourages juniors to work across teams, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
“When I was unsure about anything, I felt like I could approach partners. As long as I brought a methodical approach to the problem and asked questions that were thought through and considered, I'd be supported in times of doubt."
What sets ABL's Banking & Finance team apart in the market?
Ben: At the top end of the market, everything is negotiated. Clients come to us because they want the best possible outcome, and they need someone who will advocate for their interests, understands the market, and can offer innovative solutions to novel problems. Our clients understand risk and seek to manage it, not avoid it entirely. We focus only on the things that matter to our clients and strive to achieve positional advantage for them at all times.
Natalie: We start with strong precedents and deal heritage, but the most interesting part of our work is tailoring our documents and advice to the specific needs of each transaction. Knowing precedent documents well and finding elegant ways to incorporate bespoke elements is crucial.
How does the team approach working with junior lawyers and giving them client contact?
Natalie: We are given significant responsibility very early on as junior lawyers, including by working one-on-one with partners on large scale matters and having direct contact with clients. While this can be a bit daunting initially, there is always ample support from the partners and other members of the team. Whenever I was unsure about anything, I felt like I could approach partners. As long as I brought a methodical approach to the problem and asked questions that were thought through and considered, I'd be supported in times of doubt. Plus, having the opportunity to deal directly with clients gives you a real insight into what’s important to them and their business and really helps you to grow as a lawyer and adviser. We deal with dynamic and successful people on both the lender and borrower sides, and it's fascinating to see businesses grow.
Ben: We believe in giving junior lawyers significant responsibility early in their careers. The small team structure means there's nowhere to ‘hide’, and clients will often interact directly with the junior lawyer on a file. This provides invaluable experience and accelerates their professional development. Becoming a trusted adviser is a key part of the DNA of senior ABL lawyers, and constant, meaningful client engagement from an early stage in a lawyer’s career is crucial in achieving that.
Explore our Banking & Finance expertise or learn more about legal careers at Arnold Bloch Leibler.
Quick fire questions
What's the most rewarding part of being a banking & finance lawyer?
Ben and Natalie: The team.
What’s your proudest achievement or best result for a client?
Ben: Helping clients through difficult restructuring or ‘crisis’ situations, often when their reputations, livelihoods and/or corporate existence are on the line.
Natalie: Advising on a $950 million refinancing of an ASX-listed company’s global debt facilities as a junior lawyer, which included working with lawyers from 14 different countries.
What's one piece of advice that you would give to your younger self?
Ben: Don't sweat the small stuff.
Natalie: Be yourself and don’t be afraid to put forward your ideas – they’re valued.
