Leigh Kissick, Associate

Coming from a Financing background at a top firm in New Zealand, I found that my experience in this practice area has provided me with a good base for the work I have been doing in the Financing team at Slaughter and May. To date I have been involved in a variety of transactions including a project financing, a tax efficient financing and general banking work for certain UK public companies.

The size of the deals are usually a lot larger than in New Zealand and often have a European or a global element. The current economic conditions also make the work very interesting and, as most of my transactions have involved acting for companies (rather than the banks), it has provided me with an insight into the challenges that certain companies are facing. Also, the partners that I am working with understand the issues that New Zealand qualified solicitors face with becoming familiar with English law and are always willing to answer any questions.

Slaughter and May were extremely helpful with organising my transition to the UK. They provided me with accommodation when I arrived in London and helped me set up a bank account, obtain a national insurance number and find a permanent place to live. I would recommend the move to London to anyone who is thinking about gaining some overseas experience or looking to move permanently.