Richard Semple Joins Winston & Strawn as Partner in London, Bolstering Finance Practice

Richard Semple Joins Winston & Strawn's London Office

Winston & Strawn LLP, a prominent international law firm, is expanding its finance practice in London with the recent appointment of Richard Semple as a partner in its Transactions Department. This strategic move reinforces the firm's commitment to providing top-tier services in real estate finance by leveraging Semple's extensive expertise in the field.

A Strong Addition to the Team

Richard Semple arrives at Winston & Strawn with a wealth of experience advising clients—including sponsors, borrowers, and lenders—on a broad spectrum of real estate finance matters across the UK and European markets. His practice encompasses all stages of real estate finance transactions, including origination, acquisition, lending, syndication, securitization, asset management, refinancing, disposal, restructuring, and distressed debt investing. This diverse skill set positions him well to provide clients with thorough guidance through complex transactions.

Recognized as one of the most experienced practitioners in the acquisition of loan portfolios secured by real estate and other assets, Semple has acted on numerous high-stakes deals that showcase his ability to handle complicated financing structures. His clientele includes global investment firms and private equity funds, with a portfolio ranging from healthcare properties to premium Class A offices and distressed loans, reflecting an impressive breadth of expertise.

Aligning with Firm Growth Strategies

His addition follows that of Aparna Sehgal, who joined as a finance partner in February, signaling Winston & Strawn's drive to establish a robust European presence in real estate finance and structured finance. This trend of expanding senior hires in the London office underscores the firm's ambition to meet the growing demand for sophisticated financial services in the real estate sector.

In addition to serving institutional clients, Semple has experience collaborating with fintech firms and alternative financing providers in real estate. He is well-versed in offering strategic advice on innovative real estate investments, particularly in operational real estate, along with restructuring and special situations. This versatility allows him to cater to the evolving needs of clients in a dynamic market.

Insights from Leadership

Peter Crowther, the International Managing Partner at Winston & Strawn, praised Semple's appointment, stating that it marks a significant milestone in enhancing the firm's finance capabilities in London. Crowther emphasized that Semple's expertise is a perfect match for the firm's objectives, providing depth and geographic reach to their real estate offerings across Europe. His experience adds immense value, particularly in areas such as acquisitions, divestitures, financial restructuring, and distressed real estate opportunities.

Nicholas Usher, the London Managing Partner of Winston & Strawn, echoed this sentiment, noting Semple's impressive track record with complex real estate finance deals in both the UK and European markets. Usher indicated that Semple's proficiency in managing large-scale, cross-border loan portfolio acquisitions will be a significant asset for clients, especially those navigating the myriad challenges posed by distressed asset transactions. This experience will undoubtedly strengthen collaboration between Winston & Strawn’s London and U.S. offices, enriching the firm's service offerings.

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on his new role, Richard Semple expressed enthusiasm about joining Winston & Strawn, highlighting the firm’s focus on building a dynamic team with significant international reach and a clear vision for its finance services. He anticipates working closely with colleagues to support clients in their key real estate investments, particularly as fresh opportunities arise in the UK and European markets.

Winston & Strawn, with its 14 offices across North America, South America, and Europe, is dedicated to providing legal excellence and strategic guidance in a variety of sectors. To learn more about their services and expertise, you can visit Winston & Strawn LLP.