Linklaters appoints new Divisional Practice Heads for Dispute Resolution and Finance

Linklaters has appointed partners Alison Wilson as its new Global Head of Dispute Resolution and Andy Vickery as its new Global Head of Finance. Alison takes over from Michael Bennett who has served in the role since 2014. Andy succeeds Paul Lewis who was appointed Firmwide Managing Partner last month.

Having joined Linklaters in 2003, Alison became a partner in the firm’s London office in 2014. Alison specialises in contentious financial regulation, advising market-leading financial institutions on high-profile Financial Conduct Authority enforcement investigations – with extensive experience in the retail banking sphere. Alison is also instructed on a full range of internal investigations and those by overseas enforcement agencies, and bank-facing litigation. Until 2020, Alison was London trainee recruitment partner, helping the firm to achieve its strategic aims of attracting exceptional talent and celebrating and embedding diversity.

Andy joined Linklaters in 2003 from a leading Australian firm and became a partner in the firm’s London office in 2009. Andy is a specialist in structured finance and real estate finance, working on some of the most complex and innovative cross-border transactions in the market. He has particular expertise in mortgage-backed securitisation transactions, loan portfolio trading and covered bonds. Andy has been Head of the Structured Finance Group since 2016 and has served as one of the leaders of the firm’s bank sector team.

Paul Lewis, Firmwide Managing Partner, commented: “Alison and Andy are fantastic senior practitioners in their respective fields, known for their dedication to delivering best-in-class support for clients and commitment to our firm’s values.

They will be leading two of our market-leading practices, both of which are at the forefront of the business and finance agenda. Whether it is advising clients on global interest rate reform, landmark sustainability issuances in the capital markets arena or complex cross-border investigations – our prized experts are helping clients navigate their greatest legal and commercial challenges.

These appointments come at an exciting time as we emerge from the pandemic and our clients and our people look to the future. I am excited to be working alongside them on our executive committee in their new roles as they drive forward the growth of our Dispute Resolution and Finance divisions globally, investing in our people and continuing to build our bench-strength in line with growing client demand.”

Linklaters’ distinguished global Dispute Resolution practice has a stand-out track record of succeeding for clients in highly sensitive and complex litigation and arbitration cases. As well as offering market-leading advisory expertise in relation to contentious regulatory, investigations and business crime and sanctions work, the firm has an impressive roster of highly respected litigators and arbitrators. 

Linklaters’ Finance division comprises the firm’s banking, capital markets, financial regulation, energy & infrastructure, investment funds and real estate practices. The firm advises on the most complex and significant domestic and cross-border transactions and advisory mandates in the world, with a significant presence in all of the major global financial centres.