London (27-April-2009) - Reflecting its clients' increasing need for integrated legal representation on a global basis, Faegre & Benson LLP has embarked on a significant expansion of its London office. The firm has added seven experienced lawyers in London since the beginning of the year, bolstering its corporate, finance and restructuring, and real estate practices.

Thomas G. Morgan, chair of the Faegre & Benson management committee, says the addition of these lawyers is part of a firmwide strategic repositioning of resources to better respond to clients' evolving legal needs. "Among our US-based clients, there is growing demand for integrated, cross-border legal services in the European Union and worldwide. Strengthening our position in the UK gives clients access to more first-rate lawyers who handle sophisticated matters and transactions in a variety of countries."

Paul Finlan, Gary Laitner and Linda Crow have joined the Faegre & Benson corporate practice from the London office of US law firm Crowell & Moring. Scott Leonard-Morgan, formerly at Heller Ehrman, joined the firm's corporate practice. Richard Curtin and Sarah McLennan, formerly at Hextalls LLP, joined the firm's finance and restructuring practice, and John Duffy, formerly at DLA Piper, joined the real estate practice.

Paul Finlan has extensive cross-border merger and acquisition experience and advises on corporate finance transactions, including acquisitions, disposals and joint ventures. He frequently represents clients in the UK, US, Germany and Russia.

Gary Laitner has considerable experience in cross-border merger and acquisition work both domestically and internationally.

Linda Crow works across all types of domestic and cross-border corporate finance transactions as well as advising company directors on corporate recovery. Linda's considerable experience in the food and beverage sector will complement Faegre & Benson's strong food, agriculture and biofuels industry expertise.

Scott Leonard-Morgan represents technology companies and their investors from the venture capital stage through to listings on The London Stock Exchange. He advises companies, their investors and financial advisers at all levels, from start-up seed capital, to venture and debt funding, mergers and acquisitions and IPOs.

Richard Curtin counsels companies regarding restructuring and refinancing, receiverships, liquidations, and bankruptcies. He represents insolvency practitioners, asset-based lenders, banks and other financial institutions.

Sarah McLennan also handles insolvency matters, including restructuring and refinancing, receiverships, liquidations, bankruptcies, and litigation on behalf of insolvency practitioners.

John Duffy advises companies in all aspects of commercial property investment, development and fund creation. He has significant experience in supporting other business functions including PFI and PPP transactions, banking, and joint ventures—both contractually and through vehicles.