UK law firm Shoosmiths has added two new partners to its Manchester office, real estate finance specialist Debra Cooper and commercial and technology specialist Luke Stubbs.

Debra Cooper is a highly regarded banking partner and has more than 14 years’ experience in real estate finance. She joins Shoosmiths from Squire Patton Boggs, where she grew the firm’s real estate finance offering in the North, nationally and internationally. Debra is well connected with lenders, borrowers and funds and has established a strong reputation for real estate finance work in the Manchester market and beyond, with clients telling Chambers & Partners, that: “she is very client-focused and highly effective at getting deals done. She is extremely proactive and holds a strong commercial and business acumen.” Debra is named as a next generation partner in Legal 500. In addition to specialising in real estate finance Debra also advises on acquisition finance transactions and general corporate lending. Debra is also deputy chair of the Northern Investment Property Forum.

Debra said: “Shoosmiths has an excellent reputation in Manchester and nationally and provides the ideal platform for me to continue to grow the real estate finance practice. I am delighted to have finally joined the team and to help build on the impressive growth of the Manchester and national team.”

Debra’s arrival in the Manchester office follows the recent hiring of two additional specialist real estate finance senior lawyers in Leeds, Emma Bissett, and in London, Leanne Keyte both who also joined from Squire Patton Boggs. The combined recruitment further evidencing Shoosmiths commitment to growing the real estate finance practice to meet increasing client demand.

Luke, who joins from the Manchester office of DLA Piper, will work alongside fellow commercial partners Richard Millington (sports) and Janet Dalton (financial services) and is a key hiring to grow the firm’s offering in commercial and technology.

He has extensive experience acting for clients (nationally and internationally) across a wide range of sectors including industrial and manufacturing, transport, retail and consumer goods, and Technology sectors. He also has specialist expertise in financial services, payments and FinTech. Luke has acted for leading banks and financial services businesses on their strategic technology, digital and transformation projects. He has also advised a range of businesses (both customer and supplier side) on payment services and FinTech matters. This includes creating the UK Government’s standard terms for the purchase of payments and related services – which were recently used for the first time to appoint an “alternative” payments supplier. Luke is a member of the Pro-Manchester FinTech Committee, and a regular contributor to North West industry events (including FinTech North and the 2020 Greater Manchester FinTech Ecosystem Report)

Manchester head of office Wayne Nash said: “We are absolutely committed to growing the wide range of services we offer across the North West, and nationally, to meet our client’s needs. Debra and Luke’s appointments are key to this, two lawyers with significant experience and a solid reputation in their respective areas.  We are delighted to welcome them to the team.”