Law firm Hill Dickinson announced the hire of James Harmer, who joins the London team as a corporate partner specializing in debt capital market transactions. Harmer joins Hill Dickinson’s Business Services Group, and his practice bolsters Hill Dickinson’s existing corporate finance, banking, and financial law services in the City, where he will cover both private placements of debt and issuances in the public markets.
Having trained and practiced at a ‘magic circle’ law firm, more recently, Harmer spent several years as part of the debt capital markets team at Wall Street Firm Davis Polk in London. His practice has a particular focus on financial institutions, real estate and housing, technology, life sciences, leisure, and retail sectors.
Harmers’ work covers private placements, new bond issuances, note programs, and liability management transactions. And he also advises clients on securities regulation and debt listings in London and on other European exchanges.
Harmer’s hire contributes to the wider growth of Hill Dickinson’s London office, following the launch of a Funds team in 2023, led by James Kaufman and tax partner David Klass, and senior hires to build out the firm’s Financial Services, Real Estate and Corporate Health teams.
Before embarking on his legal career, Harmer was a Fellow in English Literature at the University of Cambridge, from which he holds a PhD.
KEY QUOTES:
“James’ appointment builds further on the investment into London in recent years.”
“Given the current economic climate and market challenges this brings, we’re seeing an increased focus on complex debt transactions, with credit funds now responsible for the majority of corporate lending in the UK (rather than traditional high-street banks). We have to make sure we offer a full service to our clients who want growth capital, acquisition finance, and to continue to invest in their businesses, and as equity capital is harder, and debt more prevalent, hiring James was an easy decision.”
- Michael Bennett, London head of corporate
“Hill Dickinson is keen to establish itself as an adviser for debt capital markets transactions. I am incredibly excited to be spearheading this effort and founding a new line of business that complements the firm’s existing corporate offering while helping to grow our client base both in London and across the UK.”
- James Harmer, partner at Hill Dickinson
