October 2, 2024
–Press Release
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London, UK - Sullivan & Worcester UK LLP's Trade & Export Finance Practice has received a Tier 1 ranking in the 2025 edition of The Legal 500 UK. This is the practice’s 11th top tier ranking in a row from this leading independent annual legal directory.
In addition, Geoffrey Wynne and Simon Cook were each recognized in the 'Hall of Fame' and Mark Norris and Sam Fowler-Holmes were recognized as 'Leading Individuals.' Marian Boyle, Daniela Barrdear and Luna Owen were recognized as key members of the practice.
Editorial comments from The Legal 500 UK, 2025 regarding Sullivan’s trade & export finance practice, include:
Sullivan & Worcester LLP is 'best in class - the partners are opinion leaders in the trade finance industry'. Known for having the largest group of specialist trade finance partners, and handling all kinds of transactions from the traditional to the highly structured, the London team works closely with the firm’s US-based trade and export finance practitioners. The deep bench of trade finance specialists and thought leaders includes Geoffrey Wynne, who co-chaired the ICC Drafting Committee writing the Uniform Rules for Digital Trade Transactions; Simon Cook, who frequently handles transactions across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the CIS; Mark Norris, who has 'a strong focus on finding commercial solutions and significant experience in Africa'; and Sam Fowler-Holmes, who has extensive experience in supply chain finance. Head of the UK insurance and disputes practices Marian Boyle is 'hugely experienced and tough when necessary'. Daniela Barrdear, who joined from Hogan Lovells International LLP in late 2023, has a strong track record in advising both banks and non-bank financial institutions, as well as development finance institutions, multilateral organisations, and borrowers.
And trade finance client testimonials include:
‘Outstanding industry knowledge. Always focused on results. Lean, efficient teams delivering great value for money. ’
‘Marian Boyle - hugely experienced, tough when necessary and a delight to work with. ’
'The stand out legal experts in the field of trade and supply chain finance. The team has strength in depth and across a number of sector specialisms, and I have no hesitation in recommending them to business partners. They approach they work with a can do, client-focused attitude and are generally responsive.'
'Simon Cook and Luna Owen drafted the terms of use for our digital trade assets platform, one of the first in its field. The result was very pleasing as they have a solutions oriented approach and are able to draw on extensive sector knowledge and experience when advising their clients.'
'The team is extremely supportive and is always prepared to go the extra mile. They have established, under the leadership of Geoff Wynne, a solid reputation in trade and are a go-to firm for us on numerous trade matters.'
'Geoff Wynne always stands out. He is extremely creative in forming structural solutions and his knowledge of the law in the context of trade is exceptional.'
‘Geoff Wynne and Simon Cook. Very knowledgeable and engaged. They are part of the active trade finance market and have been for years.’
‘Mark Norris has a strong focus on finding commercial solutions, and has significant experience in Africa.’
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.
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