Edward Downer, Leading London Restructuring Adviser, Joins Ropes & Gray as European Restructuring Demand Surges

Ropes & Gray announced today that Edward Downer, a highly regarded restructuring lawyer, has joined the firm as a partner in London. Edward is best known for his work advising clients  through complex cross-border matters.

“Our clients need us to move seamlessly across borders, and we have been building the global capabilities to do exactly that — Edward is the latest example of the exceptional talent joining us in Europe. His addition deepens our ability to deliver a truly integrated transatlantic restructuring capability for our clients," said Julie Jones, Chair of Ropes & Gray.

The hire comes amid accelerating European corporate restructuring activity, as tightening credit conditions and a growing volume of cross-border liability management exercises increase demand for advisers who can operate seamlessly across jurisdictions.

"Edward has a rare ability to see the whole board in a restructuring – the cross-border angles, the commercial endgame – and to move decisively for clients. His addition is a statement of our ambitions for the practice in London and across Europe," said Rachel Strickland, global chair of Ropes & Gray's business restructuring practice.

"Ropes & Gray's U.S. restructuring strength and London finance platform create the kind of integrated offering our clients need, and that few firms can match. I'm looking forward to helping the team build something truly distinctive here," added Edward Downer.

Edward principally advises clients across complex cross-border restructurings, liability management transactions, and insolvency proceedings.

Clients have described Edward as "a great commercial strategist when it comes to insolvency and restructuring matters." He is recognised by Chambers UK 2026 as "Up and Coming" in Restructuring/Insolvency and by The Legal 500 UK 2026 as a Next Generation Partner in Corporate Restructuring & Insolvency.

Edward joins Ropes & Gray from another international law firm, where he served as a partner in its restructuring and insolvency practice.

His hire is the latest in a series of senior additions to Ropes & Gray's European platform in 2026, reflecting the firm's continued investment across London, Milan, and Paris.