Tom Wood

Improper leverage? Own interest conflicts and the designation model in leveraged finance transactions

Designation in leveraged finance deals – the process by which the sponsor’s solicitors select the solicitors to act for the lender – has become increasingly controversial and is attracting the attention of regulators. It has the obvious potential to give rise to suggestions that the lender’s solicitors may be conflicted, between their duties to their client and their self-interest in securing future designations by sponsor firms. Simon Salzedo KC and Tom Wood consider the extent to which designation may give rise to claims of a breach of existing English conflicts law and professional rules.