Sullivan
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London, UK - Sullivan & Worcester UK LLP's Trade & Export Finance Practice has again received a Tier 1 ranking in the 2026 edition of The Legal 500 UK. This is the practice’s 12th top-tier ranking in a row from the leading independent annual legal directory.

In addition to the firm’s ranking, Geoffrey Wynne, Simon Cook and Robert Parson were recognized in the 'Hall of Fame,' and Mark Norris was recognized as a 'Leading Partner.' Daniela Barrdear was recognized as a 'Next Generation Partner,' and Marian Boyle was recognized as a key member of the practice.

Editorial comments from The Legal 500 UK 2026 regarding Sullivan’s trade & export finance practice include:

The dedicated trade finance practice at Sullivan & Worcester LLP is 'very knowledgeable, practical and results-orientated.' The firm has one of the largest teams at partner level, with practice heads Geoffrey Wynne, Simon Cook and Mark Norris all being standout practitioners who garner praise from both clients and peers. Head of both the UK insurance and disputes practices, Marian Boyle is a key member of the trade finance group, as is newly promoted partner Daniela Barrdear, who acts for banks and non-bank financial institutions, development finance institutions (DFIs), multilateral organisations, and borrowers. Barrdear has in-depth knowledge of supply chain finance techniques, alongside blended finance and export finance matters, notably in emerging markets. She recently led a team that assisted EBRD with its unfunded risk participation in Türkiye's Akbank credit facility programme for Sok—a leading retailer in Türkiye. Clients appreciate the team’s seniority, noting that 'the number of years of experience translates into valuable insights and legal advice.' Robert Parson recently joined the firm from Squire Patton Boggs.

Client testimonials published in The Legal 500 UK 2026 include:

  • 'Very knowledgeable, practical and results orientated.'
  • 'Marian Boyle - hugely experienced and with a refreshing lack of waffle. Cuts straight through to the real issues.'
  • 'Sullivan & Worcester's niche export finance and trade finance practice is unique given their track record and partners' prolific experience in the export finance sector. The number of years of experience translates into valuable insights and legal advice ranging from plain vanilla to more structured export finance transactions. The significant advantage this law firm has over any other law firm in the City is that you get to work directly with the partners, whereas typical law firms would allocate junior talent to be the "front" legal adviser, which often does not give you as a client the service you deserve and more importantly that you pay for.'
  • 'Mark Norris and Daniela Barrdear are outstanding, they make a very experienced and knowledgeable tandem. I find they stand out in their service provision, they really give you tailor-made legal advice truly caring about your needs as a customer and give you world class advice in a very niche business area—export finance that is. I value their transparency and their honesty and their business advice quality.'

About Sullivan

Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) is a global, mid-sized law firm with lawyers in Boston, London, New York, Tel Aviv and Washington, D.C. Sullivan's clients, including Fortune 500 companies, leading financial services firms and asset managers, boards of directors, real estate companies, and emerging businesses, rely on Sullivan's ability to navigate complex legal and operational landscapes, the impeccable judgment of its lawyers, and its commitment to best‑in‑class client service.

In London, the office's market-leading and multiple award-winning trade finance practice is the premium provider of legal advice in relation to trade, export and commodity finance transactions to major trade finance banks and other financial institutions, funds, corporate borrowers, agents and trustees, and national and international organisations. The team's unique offering includes an integrated insurance and dispute resolution service handling both transactional and contentious instructions.