Winston & Strawn Expands London Finance Team with New Partner Richard Semple

Winston & Strawn Expands Their Finance Practice in London

Winston & Strawn LLP, a leading international law firm, has recently made significant strides in its London office by appointing Richard Semple, a noted expert in real estate finance, as a partner in its Transactions Department. This strategic decision not only reinforces the firm’s commitment to enhancing its finance capabilities but also responds to the growing demand for sophisticated financial advising in the competitive London market.

Richard Semple joins Winston with a wealth of experience in advising various stakeholders including sponsors, borrowers, and lenders in real estate finance transactions throughout the UK and European regions. His extensive practice encompasses a comprehensive range of activities related to both domestic and cross-border finance matters. This includes essential stages such as origination, acquisition, lending, syndication, securitization, asset management, refinancing, and even the complexities of restructuring and distressed debt investing.

In an industry that demands both depth of knowledge and adaptability, Semple is regarded as one of the foremost practitioners, especially in high-value acquisitions of loan portfolios secured by real estate and other key assets. His client roster boasts global investment firms and private equity funds engaging in a variety of real estate sectors, which range from healthcare facilities to logistics centers, premium 'Class A' office spaces, as well as navigating the intricacies of distressed and non-performing loans.

This alignment with Richard Semple is part of an overarching effort by Winston & Strawn to bolster its European real estate finance and structured finance capabilities. Just this February, the firm welcomed fellow finance partner Aparna Sehgal and her team, thereby establishing a strong foundation for further growth in a market ripe with opportunities.

Going beyond working with institutional clients, Richard is also involved with fintech companies and alternative real estate finance providers, offering insights and advice on innovative investment strategies, including operational real estate and restructuring efforts. In a climate of evolving financial scenarios, such expertise becomes invaluable for clients seeking to maximize their investments.

Peter Crowther, the International Managing Partner at Winston & Strawn, expressed enthusiasm about Semple’s arrival, stating, "Richard's appointment is another major milestone in the development of our finance capabilities in London. His expertise and approach align perfectly with our firm’s vision, enhancing our real estate service scope across Europe, particularly in acquisitions, divestitures, financial restructuring, and distressed real estate matters. We are thrilled to welcome him to our team."

Nicholas Usher, the London Managing Partner at Winston & Strawn, echoed this sentiment. He noted Richard's impressive track record of managing some of the most complex real estate finance transactions in both the UK and European markets. Usher emphasized that Semple’s experience in handling large-scale, cross-border loan portfolio acquisitions is a significant advantage, especially for clients navigating the increasingly complex landscape of distressed asset transactions and loan workouts.

Richard Semple himself stated, "Winston is building something very exciting—a team with real depth, international reach, and a clear strategic vision for its finance offering. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues across the firm to support our clients' most crucial real estate investments, especially as new opportunities arise in the UK and European markets."

This expansion in London reflects a deliberate strategy by Winston & Strawn to fortify its position as a front-runner in the realm of finance law and real estate investment, as they continue to attract top talent to meet the evolving needs of their diverse clientele. With Richard Semple on board, the firm is well-poised to take on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the dynamic finance landscape.

About Winston & Strawn LLP
Winston & Strawn LLP is an international law firm with an extensive footprint, encompassing 14 offices across North America, South America, and Europe. For more information, visit www.winston.com.