New partner spearheads banking and finance team in Leeds

We've appointed partner Nick Bell to spearhead the launch of our banking and finance team in Leeds.

Nick, one of the city’s most prominent finance lawyers, has joined from Squire Patton Boggs, where he was a partner in the financial services group. He was previously a director and head of the transaction management team at National Westminster Bank.

As a full-service banking and finance lawyer, Nick has more than 20 years’ experience, including leveraged and acquisition finance, cross-border corporate transactions, project finance and real estate finance. Nick is ranked as a Leading Partner in Legal 500 and was named in the Top 10 Powerhouse Banking & Finance Lawyers in Yorkshire for 2023. His experience of project managing teams is exemplary, having previously built two credible banking practices from scratch.

His appointment, which follows that of asset-based lending partner Simon Prendergast in Manchester earlier this year, is designed to build a banking practice in Leeds and across the North. Nick will work closely with the corporate, commercial and real estate teams to provide a one-stop shop service to corporate clients.

Paul Johnson, head of the Leeds office, said: “Having a banking lawyer of Nick’s calibre in the Leeds office is a significant step forward in our ambitious expansion strategy and reinforces our commitment to the city and wider Yorkshire region. 

“’Our corporate, commercial, and real estate teams have grown rapidly and Nick’s appointment, which will open new relationships with lenders, will enable them to provide a full service to corporate clients.”

Nick commented: “I’m thrilled to have joined Mills & Reeve. I’m looking forward to helping the firm grow and build its banking and finance practice in Leeds, across the North, and nationally. It’s an exciting time to be joining the firm with its ambitious expansion strategy and growth plans, and I look forward to working closely with my new colleagues and clients to help achieve those goals.”

William Roles, head of the Mills & Reeve national finance and restructuring practice, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Nick to our team. His strong reputation and skills will greatly assist the growth plans of our existing practice. Nick is our first finance partner hire into the Mills & Reeve Leeds office, and his appointment will contribute significantly to our longer-term strategic aim of being recognised as the leading national finance practice.”