header-logo header-logo

18 February 2026
Categories: Movers & Shakers , Profession
printer mail-detail

Asserson—Michael Francos-Downs

Manchester real estate finance practice welcomes legal director

International law firm Asserson has appointed Michael Francos-Downs to its Manchester real estate finance practice as a legal director. He joins from Brabners, where he was a senior associate, and will support commercial projects in the north west and across the UK, as well as colleagues internationally.

Francos-Downs advises borrowers, banks, institutional and private lenders, and development finance funders on complex, high-value secured finance transactions across a range of asset classes, including landed estates, healthcare properties, industrial and logistics sites, buy-to-let portfolios, large-scale residential developments and multi-let retail buildings.

He said: ‘I’m delighted to be joining Asserson at a time of real momentum for the firm. The calibre of our existing talent… really stands out. I look forward to using my experience to support the growth of the real estate finance practice.’ Michael Clavell-Bate, partner and head of the Manchester office, added: ‘Michael’s arrival further strengthens our real estate finance team… His appointment is another milestone in our continued growth in the region.’

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Katten Muchin Rosenman—Charlotte Hill

Katten Muchin Rosenman—Charlotte Hill

Katten strengthens financial markets and funds group in London

Hugh James—Keith Cundall & Lee Hart

Hugh James—Keith Cundall & Lee Hart

Hugh James expands national Serious Injury team with two new Partners

HFW—Rémi Ducloyer

HFW—Rémi Ducloyer

HFW continues Paris office growth with public law Partner hire

NEWS
The Court of Appeal's decision in Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has lifted months of uncertainty for Chartered Legal Executives while prompting a rethink of regulation and supervision
The assisted dying debate returns to Westminster as Lauren Edwards MP reintroduces legislation that stalled in the House of Lords last session despite clearing the Commons
A little-noticed provision of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 has fundamentally expanded corporate criminal liability
Artificial intelligence is transforming legal practice, but careless reliance on it is creating growing professional risks
The law offers cohabiting couples surprisingly greater protection after one partner dies than when they separate during life
back-to-top-scroll