Southampton: Major new appointment for Trethowans

Trethowans, a leading law firm based in Southampton, has appointed Steve Cole as its new head of banking and finance.

Cole's recruitment represents a major statement by the firm, reflecting its continued commitment to the provision of dedicated banking and finance services to support its varied client base. As a leading banking and finance lawyer in the region, Cole has built an excellent reputation from advising on a broad range of complex financial transactions for banks, other institutional lenders and corporate borrowers, in a career spanning over 20 years.

Cole will lead the banking and finance practice at Trethowans, with responsibility for service delivery to existing clients, development of new business and management of a fast-growing team.

“Trethowans are building an enviable team of purebred banking and finance lawyers. I am delighted to join the firm at a key stage in its development to head up this area of the practice,” said Cole. “As a dedicated practice area, members of the team focus all of their time on banking and finance matters, which means we have the breadth of resources and expertise to support our clients’ needs across a wide range of financial transactions. Our objective is to become the leading banking and finance practice on the south coast.

He continued: “I joined Trethowans because I was in search of a fresh challenge and have always admired the firm’s strong sense of culture, dynamism and identity. I spoke to many people before accepting this position and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The team has been incredibly welcoming and I can’t wait to get started.”

Mike Watson, Trethowans’ managing partner, said: “Steve is one of the most pre-eminent banking lawyers in the south and his recruitment is testament to the continued investment we are making in our banking and finance practice.”

Nick Gent, Trethowans’ recently appointed head of corporate, who was influential in bringing Cole to the firm, added: “Steve’s team will not just be servicing the needs of lenders and borrowers, it will support other areas of the firm that require banking and finance expertise as part of the robust, holistic service we provide to clients. Steve is highly capable and I am excited to be working with him.”

Trethowans has been offering legal services to businesses and individuals in the south of England for over 150 years with offices in Southampton, Salisbury, Poole, Bournemouth and Winchester.