Squire Patton Boggs has appointed Leona McManus as a derivatives and structured finance partner in its Financial Services Practice. Ms. McManus joins the firm in London from Shearman & Sterling, where she was counsel in the derivatives and structured finance team.
Ms. McManus has over 15 years’ experience in financial services. Her practice focuses on English law derivatives transactions across all asset classes, as well as complex and bespoke structured finance products, acting for a range of clients including corporates, asset managers and financial institutions. Ms. McManus has notable expertise in equity financing transactions, involving margin loans and equity collar financings, and in structuring and negotiating complex financing arrangements. She has extensive experience in project finance, infrastructure, and leveraged/acquisition finance.
“Leona’s specialist knowledge and high-end experience is widely sought after and we are delighted she has chosen to join our team,” commented Paula Laird, who leads the European Financial Services Practice. “The expansion of our derivatives capabilities builds on our strength in private equity and structured finance, while also presenting opportunities to grow our practice in the commodities and project finance space.”
Global leader James Barresi added: “Leona is an important strategic appointment for us, joining several other recent senior hires as we continue to diversify and strengthen our Financial Services Practice. For example, our growing commodities, shipping and project finance teams will leverage Leona’s experience to help clients navigate very dynamic markets.”
“I am delighted to have joined Squire Patton Boggs,” commented Ms. McManus. “It is an exciting time to be joining such an ambitious and expanding firm, known for its collaborative nature and high-quality talent. I look forward to growing and strengthening the derivatives and structured finance offering here at Squire Patton Boggs and playing a part in the firm’s continuing success.”
Other recent additions in London include trade finance partner Robert Parson, funds practitioner Steven Ward, and real estate finance partner Jon Lent, with financial disputes specialist Christian Toms also joining in recent weeks.
The firm also hired Robert G. Lendino and Jennifer Val in New York earlier this year. In Europe, Pablo Rodríguez Abelenda and a team joined the Madrid office last year.