Richard Hughes joins DLA Piper’s Finance practice

Global law firm DLA Piper announces that it has appointed Richard Hughes as a partner in its Finance Group.

Richard was previously a partner at Goodwin Procter and joined DLA Piper’s London office on 12 November 2025. His practice focuses on advising a range of sponsors, portfolio and other companies on leveraged finance transactions across various sectors, including technology, healthcare and life sciences. He also acts for UK and European clients in venture debt and growth capital markets.

Richard’s appointment is the latest in a number of strategic hires within the Finance practice, which has also added Sudhir Nair, Adam Plainer, Gordon Houseman, and Nikhil Markanday in London, Soumitro Mukerji in Singapore, Noni Shannon in Sydney, Elizabeth Bradley in Dublin, Sandra Esquiva-Hesse in Paris, and Juan Verdugo in Madrid.

Colin Wilson, International Group Head of DLA Piper’s Finance practice, commented: “Richard’s appointment significantly strengthens our global Finance offering. His significant and specialised skills and knowledge will not only allow his clients to benefit from DLA Piper’s global platform but also open our clients to his fresh thinking and experiences as they navigate strategic, complex and cross-border mandates.”

Matt Christmas, UK Group Head of DLA Piper’s Finance practice, added: “Richard’s arrival marks an important step in expanding the depth and reach of our Finance practice and leveraged finance offering. His expertise and sector-specific insights will enhance the support we provide to clients as they make strategic transactions and investments.”

In recent months, DLA Piper’s International Finance practice has advised high-profile clients on matters including:

• Advising Banco Santander on the provision of EUR1.4 billion warehouse financing facility to Klarna.
• Advising Goldman Sachs and others on the EUR332 million financing package to support the redevelopment of Valencia Club de Fútbol’s stadium.
• Assisting Bridgepoint Credit on a financing package to fund the acquisition of a UK data centre power provider.
• Supporting the Saudi Water Partnership Company on its USD2.2 billion water pipeline project.
• Guiding Rubicon Capital Management on its financing of an anaerobic digestion plant in Wales.