This wide-ranging Banking and Finance team handles UK and cross-border mid-market acquisition, debt and leveraged finance deals for lenders and borrowers. Its 24 lawyers operate as one team from offices in Birmingham and London, providing what one client describes as 'magic circle quality but with a refreshing personal touch'.

The team offers more than first-class legal technicians. As one client puts it, 'We get partner input and market knowledge which is key to operating in the mid-market'. Its partners Chris Brierley, Kirsty Jefferies, Paula Laird and Julian Pallett lead from the front, focusing on driving the deal through. This leads to a reputation for being 'pragmatic and solutions driven' as well as 'extremely commercial and always prepared to give a view'.

Legal 500 says the 'impressive outfit' advises 'prestigious names on mid-market transactions'. This focus on the mid-market is backed up by a strong track record for deals in the £10 to £100 million range. It includes advising LloydsTSB on a multi-jurisdictional £80 million syndicated facility, a £46.5 million MBO for Close Brothers Private Equity, plus deals for HSBC and Barclays.

Banking and finance lawyers work closely with the firm's five-partner Private Equity team, enhancing its ability to advise London's leading mid-market firms. Lawyers from both teams join forces to deliver a rounded service to clients including Close Brothers and ISIS Equity Partners.

Previous careers, sector specialists and secondments help maintain the team's commercial approach. Before joining Wragge & Co in 2001, Paula was head of legal services at LloydsTSB Asset Finance.

Paula and Edward Sunderland have particular expertise in all aspects of derivatives, securitisation and treasury and capital markets.

For more about banking and finance, contact chris_brierley@wragge.com.