Shoosmiths has appointed a new partner to its successful banking team.
Linda Williams brings more than 14 years' experience to the national law firm.
She joins from Osborne Clarke, where she was a senior associate in its banking and finance group.
Williams, who will continue to be based in Reading, advises financial institutions, PLCs and limited companies on financing arrangements.
She has particular experience in leveraged and acquisition finance on a national and international scale, as well as in property finance, and leveraged and investment grade corporate lending.
Legal directory Legal 500 describes Williams as having 'strong negotiation skills', while Chambers noted her 'excellent organisation skills and technical expertise'.
Partner Rebecca Mauleverer, who heads Shoosmiths' banking team in the Thames Valley and Solent, said: "We've grown significantly over the last few years, and we're delighted Linda has joined us, bringing to 16 the specialist banking advisers we have nationally.
"Linda brings a wealth of experience in banking and finance work, together with in-depth knowledge of the local market."
Shoosmiths banking specialists are part of the firm's corporate team, which has enjoyed a remarkable run of deals which laid the foundations for its recent Law Firm of the Year success at the prestigious national M&A awards. That success continues in 2013, with deals for clients including Provexis, learndirect and IntelliFlow.
The corporate and banking team advises PLCs and private companies, management teams, equity investors and debt providers on everything from start-up and first round finance to mergers and acquisitions, buy-outs, development funding, flotations and other exits.