McDermott Will & Emery has created a new sub-prime and credit markets group, as the Chicago-based law firm attempts to cash in on the current debt market turmoil.

McDermott's New York structured finance head, Thomas McGavin, and London structured finance co-chief Nick Terras will lead the initiative, which was set up to capitalise on repricings in the sub-prime lending market.

The group comprises 90 lawyers, including 40 partners from across McDermott's network of offices in the US and Europe. It will advise the firm's banking and financial services clients as well as investment and pension funds.