Current Assignments

The list below is an example of assignments currently being undertaken by V&P. The list is not exhaustive and there are other assignments being handled by our consultants. If you wish to discuss your requirements, in the first instance, please call Frank Varela on +44 (0) 20 3176 3700 or email him at fvarela@varelapartners.com

Projects/PPP/PFI

Project Finance Partner, UK Firm

Our client is a UK firm with a reputation for punching well above their weight in Project Finance and in particular in the renewable energy sector. They are now seeking a partner to bolster their highly rated practice.

They are a profitable mid-sized City firm with international offices across Europe, the Far East and the US. They have a very strong banking/finance reputation, (highly rated Chambers/Legal 500) as well as a strong and growing project and project finance reputation. Their core project finance group specialises in oil & gas, power, renewable energy, natural resources, infrastructure and telecoms and has a top quality international client base, acting for lenders, sponsors and others on the application of finance techniques to projects around the world.

As part of the Group’s growth strategy and to meet increasing client demand they have the requirement to bring in an additional partner to focus on project finance. The ideal person will have extensive market and transaction experience which will include lender side representation and a first class track record of managing substantial transactions in the relevant areas. They will have a market reputation consistent with the length of experience and the presence and marketing skills to develop existing client relationships and win new clients. The Firm will consider either an existing Partner or a Senior Associate ready to make the move into a Partnership role.

This is an opportunity to leverage off an existing client base and to work with the Firm to develop new opportunities within a collegiate and entrepreneurial environment. Ref TGW

PPP/ PFI Partner

An opportunity to join a firm whose Major Projects practice is rated in the top band by Chambers and Partners. The firm as a whole is very progressive and prides itself on building and maintaining client relationships through its professional and knowledgeable approach. The firm currently consists of 300 people, including 52 partners and 72 solicitors and a further 55 fee earners, covering all major practice areas, with particular focus on planning, major projects, public law, corporate and commercial and real estate.

The Major Projects practice is one of the largest and most experienced in the UK, bringing together all the skills and disciplines needed to be able to plan and deliver the largest, most controversial and diverse projects. Their size allows them to advise on a wide ranging variety of sectors including transport, water, commercial developments, and utilities, whilst ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to make their voice heard during the decision making process.

The requirement is for a partner or senior associate, currently working for a major City based law firm, who can work with the existing partners in the team to assist in the development and consolidation of the team to grow the projects practice, and who has a market reputation that is consistent with the length of their experience. Ref FGB

International Projects & Structured Finance Partner – Athens.

This is an exciting opportunity to join this international firm based in Athens, working within their highly regarded Projects and Structured Finance Practice. The Firm has an international reputation as a market leader, and operates out of major financial capitals all over the World, advising across the board on legal matters including international finance, corporate and commercial matters, taxation, real estate and employment law.

The Firm has recently expanded its existing Greek section in Piraeus through the opening of this office in 1997 and they have already developed a reputation that has seen them enter into the top 200 list. The practice specialises in renewable energy finance, and also covers all areas of project finance and investment, real estate and borrowing. Their requirement is for a senior associate or partner who is a native Greek speaker (and also fluent English speaker), specialising in corporate commercial, banking and finance, energy or real estate. The role offers the opportunity to join a practice which allows independence and autonomy, working as part of a small, close knit and supportive team and enjoy the benefits of working for a highly regarded international firm. Ref FGW

Private Capital

Partner – Head of Department.

Our client is a well known and established City firm with 40 fee earners. The Firm covers all major practice areas specialising in private capital, real estate, company commercial and litigation, consistently punching above its weight in terms of attracting clients. They have a structured and progressive attitude towards growth in all practices, retaining emphasis on traditional values and partner client communication.

The Private Capital practice currently consists of two partners. They are recruiting a third partner to provide some succession planning, and the new incumbent will take over the running of the practice. Ideally they are looking for someone with good offshore experience, but who has experience and knowledge of the whole practice area. The firm deals with a very broad range of well established high net worth clients, some of whom have been with them for generations, from UK and non domiciled family groups to private individuals. They also do some charity work, and they are looking for someone who is excited at the opportunity to work with the existing partners to develop and maximise this client base whilst bringing their own established clients to the firm.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a small, collegiate and supportive firm that is focused on maintaining its established and well regarded position. The ideal candidate will already be a partner, looking for a clear path towards joining the equity partnership, and be able to bring a client base that is commensurate with this position. Reference FGD

Corporate Finance

US Firm – Head of Corporate

Our client is a US Firm which has an established and highly regarded financial services and investment management practice in London. The firm is currently focussed on growing its core corporate capability to compliment this practice and to build the critical mass necessary to effectively leverage its global blue chip client base. To that end they are looking to bring in an experienced corporate partner to head up the existing team. Ideally this individual will have a background that will command instant credibility with the firm’s client base, which is likely to came from having worked extensively with financial service clients or a private equity practice with strong fund representation. Additional fund formation experience, particularly with private equity and/or real estate funds would also be welcome. Ref SFM

Corporate Partner or Team

The partners at this 20 partner City firm value the freedom to determine the direction in which they develop their practices. Managed with a light touch, this consensual partnership could be a very happy home to a corporate partner or team with an established practice and a similar outlook, who will join its existing five partner strong corporate group. The corporate group is rightly proud of the quality of work undertaken which includes representation of a number of FTSE 250 companies, overseas banks and substantial private concerns, particularly in the Hotels and Leisure sector. Ref SFG

ECM Partner – City Practice

This “Silver Circle” city firm with a strong corporate practice is looking to further enhance its offering with the hire of an additional partner with good quality Equity Capital Markets experience. The right individual for this role will have worked with recognised name brokers and sponsors of ECM transactions and is likely to be currently a senior associate or counsel at a top 10 UK or US firm or else working in-house at a bank. This role is central to a particular growth strategy and the individual will benefit from focussed support of other partners from the corporate and financial services group. Ref SFT

Junior Corporate Partner

We are retained by a mid sized UK firm who are rapidly building a reputation in the mid market corporate arena. The firm has strong management, a focused strategy, a collegiate culture and has also made some good lateral hires bolstering their ability to compete in the market. As such, they are poised for growth and have identified the need for an additional corporate partner as the next essential step. It is envisaged that the new partner would be servicing an existing client base ranging from financial institution, corporates, regulatory bodies and private individuals as well as further developing his/her own practice.

This would suit a highly ambitious associate/junior partner who has excellent city experience, is preferably multi skilled in corporate work and who wants to play a significant role in enhancing the capability of the group. A flat structure combined with a relaxed environment makes this firm hugely popular at all levels. Some level of following would justify the partnership tag but equally important are great contacts and industry knowledge. Ref MWW

Employment

Employment Partner, US Firm

Our client is a “magic circle” employment practice in the US, where they are both highly profitable and highly rated; ranked Band 1 nationally in the USA by Chambers & Partners.

The Employment Group alone has a turnover well in to the $200million, and has approximately 300 lawyers globally. They have a top class client base of leading financial institutions and corporates, representing over ½ of the Fortune 500 companies.

The work of the group is high value and high quality, focused at a strategic level, with only minimal corporate support work, the majority being completely stand-alone employment work.

Employment is a core area for the firm; they currently have a successful and expanding team in the London office. They are committed to growing the practice and are consequently looking for an additional partner to assist in the growth and reputation of the team. The ideal person will currently be at a top City firm either as a partner or a senior associate ready to make the move into a partnership. Someone with contacts in the market and the ability to develop a profitable practice within a leading platform. Ref TGM

Pensions & Employee Benefits Partner, US Firm

This top ranked US firm seeks a Pensions & Employee Benefits Partner for their growing London office.

The firm is one of the leading employment practices in the US, where they are both highly profitable and highly rated in legal press; ranked Band 1 nationally in the USA by Chambers & Partners.

The Employment Group alone has a turnover of approximately $200million, with over 300 lawyers globally. They have a top class client base of leading financial institutions and corporates, representing over ½ of the Fortune 500 companies.

The work of the group is high value and high quality, focused at a strategic level, with only minimal corporate support work, the majority being completely stand-alone employment work.

Employment is a core area for the firm; they currently have a successful and expanding team in the London office with the requirement now for a dedicated Pensions & Employee Benefits partner to focus on this area. The ideal person will already be a partner in a leading City firm, with contacts in the market and the ability to develop a profitable practice within a leading platform. Ref TGM

Employment , Head of Department Small City Firm

This established and well regarded City firm seeks an employment partner to Head up their employment practice.

The firm, based in the City, has a busy employment practice advising on all non-contentious/contentious employment matters representing a broad range of clients including both employers and employees.

The requirement is for someone with top quality, broad employment experience, both non-contentious and contentious. The ideal person will enjoy business development and marketing and will work closely with other practice areas of the firm to leverage off their existing client base and develop new opportunities.

The firm offers a very collegiate and supportive environment where entrepreneurial spirit is rewarded and a genuine work life balance can be achieved. Ref TGD

Finance

Head of Department - Finance, US Firm

Our client is a top 15 US firm with a successful but relatively small London office. They are seeking a Head of finance for their London Finance Practice.

Globally the firm has a very strong and loyal investor client base including the Who’s Who of financial institutions, private equity houses and corporates and with the successful growth of their London corporate and private equity practices they are now committed to developing their London finance capability.

The requirement is for someone who can provide high level finance support working with the London office to service and develop their major corporate clients; working with the broader European offices on European-based transactions in which English law makes a significant role and supporting the English law finance requirements of the Firm’s US clients.

The ideal person will already be a partner in a leading City firm and will be excited by the opportunity to build an international practice and head the finance practice. Ref TGM