Hill Dickinson confirms new finance partner to bolster its London offering

Law firm Hill Dickinson has announced the hire of James Harmer, who joins the London team as corporate partner specialising in debt capital market transactions. 

James 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 practised at a ‘magic circle’ law firm, more recently James spent a number of years as part of the debt capital markets team at Wall Street Firm Davis Polk in London, and his practice has a particular focus on financial institutions, real estate and housing, technology, life sciences, leisure and retail sectors. 

His work covers private placements, new bond issuances, note programmes and liability management transactions. He also advises clients on securities regulation and listings of debt in London and on other European exchanges.

James’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,  as well as senior hires to build out the firm’s Financial Services, Real Estate and Corporate Health teams.

Michael Bennett, London head of corporate, said: “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.”

James Harmer, partner at Hill Dickinson, said: “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.” 

Before embarking on his legal career, James was a Fellow in English Literature at the University of Cambridge, from which he holds a PhD.