Charles Russell Speechlys welcomes James Walton as a Partner within the Firm’s Banking and Finance team. James joins Charles Russell Speechlys from Edwin Coe and will be based in the Firm’s London office. James is the third Partner to join the Firm’s Business Advisory & Transaction Services division this month. 

James specialises in real estate finance and has over 25 years’ experience advising lenders, borrowers, loan servicers and debt sellers/purchasers on distressed and non-distressed loan transactions. Much of his work centres around new loan originations, as well as buying and selling loans and loan portfolios, and working with clients to extract value from their acquired portfolios. James advises on loans originated across all sectors, including development loans, residential, student accommodation and later living.

James is adept at advising clients across a variety of financing types, including senior debt, mezzanine debt, equity investments, restructurings, and enforcements. In addition to his real estate finance work, James has a strong understanding of the evolving litigation funding market, and regularly advises and acts for litigation funders on the financing of disputes.

Daniel Sullivan, Partner and Head of Banking and Finance comments: “James will undoubtedly add significant ‘bench strength’ to our Banking and Finance team at a time of increased client demand and market volatility. We are very pleased to welcome him to the Firm and we look forward to further developing our real estate finance offering in London.”

James Walton, Partner, adds: “The Firm has an impressive profile and strong footing within the real estate industry, I am looking forward to working alongside the Banking and Finance team as well as leveraging the depth of Charles Russell Speechlys’ real estate experience and resource to drive forward and develop opportunities in the market.”