Ropes & Gray has appointed Edward Downer as a restructuring partner in London, expanding its capabilities in complex cross-border restructurings, liability management transactions, and insolvency proceedings. His arrival strengthens the firm’s transatlantic restructuring practice as European companies face changing credit conditions and increasingly complex financing arrangements.
Downer advises companies, creditors, and other stakeholders on complex restructuring and insolvency matters involving multiple jurisdictions.
He joins Ropes & Gray from another international law firm, where he served as a partner in its restructuring and insolvency practice.
His experience includes advising on cross-border restructuring transactions and liability management exercises, areas where European companies and financial sponsors increasingly require coordinated legal and financial advice.
Downer was recognized as Up and Coming in Restructuring and Insolvency by Chambers UK 2026 and as a Next Generation Partner in Corporate Restructuring and Insolvency by The Legal 500 UK 2026.
His appointment expands Ropes & Gray’s ability to combine its U.S. restructuring capabilities with its London-based finance and restructuring teams.
The addition also follows a series of senior appointments across the firm’s European platform in 2026, including investments in its London, Milan, and Paris offices.
KEY QUOTES:
“Our clients need us to move seamlessly across borders, and we have been building the global capabilities to do exactly that. Edward is the latest example of the exceptional talent joining us in Europe. His addition deepens our ability to deliver a truly integrated transatlantic restructuring capability for our clients.”
Julie Jones, Chair of Ropes & Gray
“Edward has a rare ability to see the whole board in a restructuring – the cross-border angles, the commercial endgame – and to move decisively for clients. His addition is a statement of our ambitions for the practice in London and across Europe.”
Rachel Strickland, Global Chair of Business Restructuring at Ropes & Gray
“Ropes & Gray’s U.S. restructuring strength and London finance platform create the kind of integrated offering our clients need, and that few firms can match. I’m looking forward to helping the team build something truly distinctive here.”
Edward Downer, Restructuring Partner at Ropes & Gray
