"Karen Williams is excellent. She is always very straightforward to deal with and pragmatic."

Chambers UK 2024

"Karen Williams is knowledgeable and a practical problem-solver. She is friendly and easy to work with and manages the deadlines."

Legal 500 2024

"Karen Williams is very charismatic, decisive and responsive. She is great at anticipating issues before they arise and works really well with others"

Client

"No bluster and bravado, just an honest view."

Client

"Thank you and the team for making this so easy! I have worked with plenty of firms before and even though it became a very tricky transaction for reasons mostly out of our control, it’s been an absolute pleasure working with you and the team."

Client

I am a Partner in Michelmores’ Banking Restructuring and Insolvency team and lead our banking and finance offering.

I am a finance specialist advising in connection with domestic and international banking transactions as well as debt restructuring transactions. I have a diverse practice acting for clearing banks, alternative lenders, funds, social enterprises, private investors and borrowers in relation to development and bridging finance, project finance, secured lending and impact investment.

I have a particular specialism and passion for social impact investment and have advised impact investment institutions making a broad range of investments both domestically and internationally across the emerging markets.

Having had a background in restructuring, my clients value my pragmatic approach to ensuring that the appropriate safeguards are in place should issues arise in the future, and also my straightforward and decisive advice.

I joined Michelmores in 2011 and am proud to have progressed to Partner in a such a dynamic and ambitious Firm where our fantastic culture is at the heart of everything we do.

I am listed as a “Next Generation Partner” for Insolvency and Corporate Recovery by the Legal 500.

When I’m not working, I’m a keen sportswoman, playing golf, running, cycling, and generally enjoying all things outdoors with my family.

Recent experience

Advising Soros Economic Development Fund in connection with a partnership with MedAccess to provide procurement guarantees to the COVAX Costs Sharing Mechanism, Gavi’s global COVAX vaccine distribution system

Advising Proparco and Global Partnerships in connection with their participation as the first investors in a debt programme established by the international arm of the one of the world’s largest development organisations BRAC

Advising in relation to the acquisition of a major hotel chain which included advising in relation to a $180m listed bond to fund the transaction, and the target group’s senior secured facilities of circa £170m

Advising development finance institutions, Finnfund and FMO, on debt facility to an East African sustainable forestry group

Acting for the borrower in relation to the development and financing of a new 400-bed hotel and the negotiation of a hotel management agreement with premium international hospitality brand

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Williams, Karen
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