Allen & Overy (A&O) junior partner Mario Jacovides (above left) specialises in big-ticket tax-based cross-border leasing transactions and is at the centre of the firm's plans to grow its UK-based leasing client base.

He joined A&O in 1998 after 11 years working his way up from trainee to partner at Wilde Sapte.

Clifford Chance also boasts a class of 1989 star in partner Simon Lew (above centre).

Singled out for his flair for cash-collateralised ship finance work, he is also at the forefront of the use of securitisation as a means of financing aircraft.

He acted as lead counsel to Greenwich NatWest, which last year arranged the financing of Bombardier-manufactured aircraft using an innovative Craft vehicle.

Publicity shy Wilde Sapte partner Giles Brand (above right) likes to let his work speak for itself.

Recommended by his peer group, he is one of the few Wilde Sapte partners who has decided not to reveal all on the firm's web site (www.wildesapte.com).

He has represented financiers and owners in debt financings and lessors and lessees/operators in big-ticket UK tax-based lease financings.