Lionel Shawe

Partner

Johannesburg

Lionel is a co-managing partner based in our Johannesburg office in the banking and finance sector and is seen to be "a phenomenal banking lawyer who works hard and sees the bigger picture." Chambers and Partners 2016. Lionel has significant expertise in mining financing, aircraft financing, acquisition and leveraged financing, structured financing, property financing, preference share funding, securitisation, capital markets and debt restructuring. He has substantial experience and expertise in the complex area of derivatives (in particular credit derivatives). Lionel has extensive experience in exchange control issues and is regularly consulted and he regularly advises domestic and international financial institutions on complex transactions. The ‘practically minded’ Lionel Shawe, who ‘understands the global regulatory environment’, is the ‘go-to person for banking as well as acquisition finance’. Legal500 – South Africa 2017 (Banking and Finance) and is rated as a leading individual. Legal500 – South Africa 2017 (Banking and Finance). In this arena, Lionel Shawe has virtually unparalleled expertise. Legal500 – South Africa 2017 (Tax).

Lionel has a wealth of experience in banking and finance transactions and is regarded as "probably the most prominent finance lawyer in South Africa" according to IFLR1000 2011-2014. The Legal 500, which provides the most comprehensive worldwide coverage currently available on legal service providers, describes him as a "Leading Individual" in the Banking and Finance sector and as being "an outstanding practitioner". The "exceptional" Lionel Shawe of Allen & Overy LLP is well recognised by market commentators for his expertise in structured products and note issuances. One impressed client said: "I hold him in very high regard - he is an expert in many different fields of law, and is really blessed in being able to advise across many disciplines." Chambers and Partners 2016 (DCM).

Lionel is rated in the first tier of South African banking and finance lawyers by both IFLR1000 and Chambers Global. Chambers Global 2015 recognises that Lionel is highly regarded for securitisation and derivatives work as part of his esteemed banking and finance practice. As one source commented, "he is eminently knowledgeable - he can advise on any aspect. The range of his knowledge is so extensive." and touch on his expertise in the tax field. Who's Who Legal 2015 reiterates his expertise and states that "Lionel enjoys a "marvellous" reputation in the market and is one of the most highly regarded lawyers in our research in the EMEA region. He has significant expertise in mining, aircraft and property financing transactions."