Gowling WLG has further strengthened its Real Estate Finance team with the appointment of Partner Imogen Benson and Senior Counsel Rich Hughes in London.
The appointments reflect the firm's continued investment in its real estate finance capabilities and growth in the Corporate, Finance and Tax (CFT) practice.
Imogen and Richard join from TLT, where they played a key role in establishing and growing the firm's London banking practice.
Imogen brings extensive experience advising lenders and corporate borrowers on secured and unsecured finance transactions across domestic and multi-jurisdictional matters. Her expertise spans a broad range of financing structures, including real estate finance, acquisition finance, cash flow lending and borrowing base facilities. She has particular experience supporting clients in the hotels, hospitality and leisure sectors, alongside specialist expertise in corporate and sustainable finance.
Richard is one of the City's most experienced finance lawyers, advising on real estate finance, structured finance, banking, fund finance and asset finance. He is also widely recognised for his expertise in hotel and leisure finance.
Imogen said: "I'm excited to join Gowling WLG at such an important stage in its growth journey. The firm has an outstanding reputation in the real estate sector, a highly regarded Real Estate Finance practice, and one of the largest real estate teams in the market. Richard and I are looking forward to working with our new colleagues as we look to create opportunities for our clients across an evolving market."
Madeleine Clark, Head of Real Estate Finance and Co-leader of the Financial Institutions and Services Sector, said: "Imogen and Richard are exceptionally talented lawyers who bring significant experience, strong market relationships and deep sector knowledge. Their arrival further strengthens our ability to support lenders, borrowers, investors, and developers on increasingly complex transactions across the real estate finance market. These appointments represent another important step in the growth of our Real Estate Finance practice and our commitment to helping clients shape tomorrow's world."
The appointments follow the recent arrival of Associates Emma Dempsey and Samil Shah, underlining the firm's continued investment in Real Estate Finance and commitment to supporting clients across the full real estate lifecycle.
Stuart Young, Head of Gowling WLG's Corporate Finance and Tax Group and Board member, added: "Imogen and Richard are outstanding additions to our firm. Their expertise complements our existing strengths and further enhances the depth and breadth of support we offer clients.
"We will continue to invest in strengthening our CFT practice and these appointments reinforce our commitment to investing in top talent across the financial sector and ensuring we continue to deliver innovative, sector-focused solutions for our clients."