A trainee's tale, Nu Horizons
Just nine months into his Training Contract, Atish Shah found himself helping global electronics giant Nu Horizons to raise $110 million. The phrase “in at the deep end” springs to mind…
Law graduate Atish had just begun his third seat in our Banking and Finance department when Nu Horizons engaged us to advise them on the UK law aspects of a major international asset financing exercise, involving both their US-based holding company and their European and Asian subsidiaries.
For Atish, charged with a key co-ordinating role, it was a challenging first assignment, to say the least. As well as liaising with the client in the UK, he was in constant contact with other lawyers involved in the transaction, both in the UK and the US. He was also responsible for negotiating, drafting and managing documents required by the bank before the financing could take place. And, with tight deadlines to meet, a further important part of his role was speaking directly to the existing lender, encouraging them to release the security as quickly as possible. “It was a lot to take on so early in the seat,” remembers Atish. “Often, when I was dealing with other lawyers, they were associates, so I definitely felt I was given a good level of responsibility. But I never felt out on a limb, because I had a strong support network.”
After a few late nights for Atish and the rest of the Nabarro team, the deal was successfully concluded. Being involved in such a demanding yet exciting transaction left Atish increasingly clear about his future: “One of the most important ways to judge a department is by the quality of the work you get. So yes, I would definitely consider qualifying into Banking and Finance.”
“It’s a great feeling to have dealt successfully with so many more senior lawyers. I gained so much confidence, which will definitely stand me in good stead going forward in my career… The first thing they tell you is that actual practice is very different from the LPC. And being involved in a transaction like this is a really good springboard.”
Atish Shah
