Paul Hastings LLP, a leading global law firm, announced today that James Cole is joining the firm as a partner in the Securities & Capital Markets and Hedge Fund practices in the London office. Mr. Cole, previously a partner and head of Weil Gotshal & Manges’ London Capital Markets and Hedge Funds practice groups, advises a wide range of investment banks, hedge funds and financial institutions on capital markets and distressed investment opportunities.
“James will help us continue to build our London capital markets practice and grow key strategic relationships in a critical practice area,” said Elizabeth Noe, chair of the Corporate practice at Paul Hastings. “His arrival continues the strategic investments we have been making in our capital markets practice in key markets across our global platform.”
“As the capital markets become increasingly globalised, building a high-quality top-tier capital markets practice in Europe is a critical step for us. In complementing our leading Asian capital markets and significantly expanded New York capital markets practices, James’ arrival in London will assist us in achieving our goal of building a global capital markets offering for our clients. James’ experience, profile and practice complements our existing capabilities in London and positions us well to continue to expand our investment banking, financial services and hedge fund businesses in Europe” said Ronan O’Sullivan, chair of the London office.
Mr. Cole focuses his practice on all aspects of capital markets transactions, including debt, equity and equity-linked instruments, acting for both issuers and underwriters; special-purpose acquisition companies and funds; IPOs and secondary offerings; and emerging-market and high-yield bonds. Mr. Cole also advises hedge funds on a wide range of liquid and illiquid investment opportunities, and counsels creditors on a variety of distressed situations.
Mr. Cole’s arrival continues the expansion of the London Corporate practice, with Neil Hamilton joining the Finance and Investment Management practice in October, Ugo Giordano joining the Finance and Capital Markets practice in July and the arrival of Karl Balz, who joined the Leveraged Finance and Capital Markets practice in January.
