Global law firm DLA Piper has expanded its Finance practice with the appointment of Richard Hughes as a partner in the firm’s Finance Group. Hughes, who joined the firm’s London office on November 12, 2025, previously served as a partner at Goodwin Procter. His arrival continues DLA Piper’s pattern of strategic hiring within its international Finance offering.
Hughes advises sponsors, portfolio companies, and other clients on leveraged finance transactions across sectors that include technology, healthcare, and life sciences. His work also extends to venture debt and growth capital markets for clients across the United Kingdom and Europe.
His appointment follows a series of additions to the Finance practice across multiple global offices. Recent hires include Sudhir Nair, Adam Plainer, Gordon Houseman, and Nikhil Markanday in London; Soumitro Mukerji in Singapore; Noni Shannon in Sydney; Elizabeth Bradley in Dublin; Sandra Esquiva-Hesse in Paris; and Juan Verdugo in Madrid, signaling continued investment in the firm’s financial services capabilities.
In recent months, DLA Piper’s International Finance practice has been active across several primary mandates. This includes advising Banco Santander on a EUR1.4 billion warehouse financing facility provided to Klarna, working with Goldman Sachs and additional parties on a EUR332 million financing package supporting the redevelopment of the Valencia Club de Fútbol stadium, assisting Bridgepoint Credit with financing to acquire a UK data centre power provider, helping the Saudi Water Partnership Company on a $2.2 billion water pipeline initiative, and guiding Rubicon Capital Management through financing for an anaerobic digestion plant project in Wales.
The firm said that Hughes’ sector experience and technical expertise are expected to complement its global platform and deepen its offerings within leveraged finance and cross-border transactions.
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“Richard’s appointment significantly strengthens our global Finance offering. His significant and specialised skills and knowledge will not only allow his clients to benefit from DLA Piper’s global platform but also open our clients to his fresh thinking and experiences as they navigate strategic, complex and cross-border mandates.”
Colin Wilson, International Group Head of DLA Piper’s Finance practice
“Richard’s arrival marks an important step in expanding the depth and reach of our Finance practice and leveraged finance offering. His expertise and sector-specific insights will enhance the support we provide to clients as they make strategic transactions and investments.”
Matt Christmas, UK Group Head of DLA Piper’s Finance practice
