Mary Frances Murphy (Special Counsel) & Hugh Snowden (Associate)

What is life really like working in Norton Rose Fulbright’s Banking and Finance team? Introducing Mary-Frances Murphy and Hugh Snowden, who currently work in our Sydney office.

Mary-Frances Murphy (M) is a Special Counsel in the Sydney Banking & Finance team. She specialises in property and development financing as well as a wider variety of financing work, and is passionate about sustainable finance.

Hugh Snowden (H) is an Associate in the team who joined the firm in October 2021 as a Lawyer. He works in a variety of debt financing transactions, including acting for lenders and borrowers on general corporate finance matters, asset based and receivables lending, real estate finance, equipment and asset financing.

What do you think sets our Banking team apart from others in the market?

(M) We are traditionally a banking and finance firm and it is at the heart of our organisation. As a global firm, we are able to be at the forefront of legal developments and leverage off our international expertise - such as in relation to sustainable finance and the energy transition. But we also have a ‘local’ feel and I really feel like it’s the best of both worlds.

(H) One of the highlights of working in Norton Rose Fulbright is that it not only provides a specialised, pragmatic high-quality domestic legal service, it is also able to leverage its international cross-border expertise from a wide range of overseas jurisdictions (which is evident in the range of ‘style’ and ‘magnitude’ of the deals that we do). As a junior, not only does this allow for a wide range of exposure to the spectrum of banking and debt financing deals, but provides the liberty to pursue what style peaks your interest, which is thoroughly supported by the partners.

More generally, the firm has a particular emphasis in investing in training its lawyers at all levels. This supports our day to day working knowledge, and also accelerates the knowledge base within the team as a whole.

How would you describe the culture of team?

(H) The culture can be summarised in three words really, ‘down to earth’. It is a high-performance and tight-knit team, but we are also human beings who acknowledge that we have lives outside of work. Everyone is knowledgeable, approachable, friendly and easy-going.

(M) It is the people that motivate me to come to work every day. Also, as someone with young kids who works part-time, I also feel very supported by the team and get a lot of flexibility.

What are the partners like to work for?

(M) Each partner is different to work for. Some are more hands on than others – but this is great as it gives you a chance to learn different ways things are done and find your own working style.

(H) The partners provide juniors with a ‘hands on approach’ to the matters which they are involved in, providing one-to-one / direct guidance and feedback throughout as each matter progresses. It is important to note that juniors can ask to be involved in matters that take their interest, as well being involved to assist on new and upcoming matters which they may not have considered before. Again, this comes back to a team culture of extensive cross-integration of juniors, ensuring that you aren’t ‘pigeon-holed’ into one area of banking and finance work early on in your career.

Is there a transaction that you have worked on that has stood out for you during your time at NRF?

(H) A standout transaction was being involved in advising a syndicate of lenders on the acquisition debt financing connected to Blackstone’s acquisition from GIC of a stake in the Dexus Australia Logistics Trust.

(M) This year I worked on a financing provided by Dutch lenders FMO and BIX Capital to C-Quest in relation to financing of carbon credit generation projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. This involved our Sydney, Singapore and London offices and was a great transaction to work on with both environmental and social impact.

What have you been working on this week?

(H) This week has involved a variety of different matters. This has included starting works on refinancing a large US asset based lending facility, a new agricultural land financing facility in each of Victoria and Queensland and a new global bid for a large multi-national bank, reviewing its library of laws, rules and regulations, amongst other things. There is a diverse range of work which lawyers at all levels are involved in, making each day engaging.

(M) This week I’ve been working on a bunch of different matters. So it’s been a juggle rather than one big matter. I’m also working on a sustainable finance presentation which I’m giving to a client in a few weeks.

Do you have much interaction with other NRF offices/practice groups?

(M) A lot. Many transactions involve cross-border interaction which is an excellent aspect to the job. I even had a coffee with someone from the banking team in London when I was there on holidays – just to meet her in person and see the office.

(H) Personally, there is a lot of cross-interaction with both domestic and global NRF offices/practice groups (examples being our Brisbane, Melbourne, London, and Toronto offices). This is a by-product, for a junior, of simply having exposure to a wide range of deals.

What can you tell us about the team that we can’t find on the website?

(H) One thing that you won’t see on the website is that our partners are really approachable, and are always happy to have chat. We also have a great social culture where we have scheduled catch-ups and events (located on our fantastic café and entertaining floor), and anyone can put up their hand to contribute to organise or chip in to a social event. This is actively encouraged by the firm, and makes reconnecting after the Covid-19 related separation really easy.  

(M) It’s the vibe.           

Interested in exploring opportunities with Norton Rose Fulbright?

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