National law firm Ashfords has continued to grow the banking and finance expertise in its Bristol office with the appointment of Melissa George as a restructuring & insolvency partner.
Melissa joins after more than 21 years at Thrings, where for the past 10 years she was a partner specialising in restructuring and insolvency and was responsible for leading the distressed restructuring and turnaround practice. 
She has extensive experience assisting stakeholders of entities facing financial distress with a view to seeking a managed exit – whether through a restructure leading to a solvent solution or a managed exit via an insolvency planned process.
Melissa, who is recognised as “a sensible practitioner who knows her stuff”, has more than 20 years’ experience advising financial stakeholders including insolvency practitioners, directors, secured and unsecured creditors and individuals on a range issues.
These include business disposals and acquisitions, asset realisation and preservation, security, claims against directors in breach of duty, antecedent transactions (preferences and transactions defrauding creditors) and disqualification proceedings.
Her arrival is the latest in a series of hires as Ashfords expands its UK finance offer – in particular its restructuring & insolvency expertise.
In the past year the firm has welcomed senior restructuring & insolvency associate Nicola Brastock to its Bristol office – also from Thrings – and banking & finance legal director Anna Thompson to its Exeter office from Michelmores.
The firm has also invested in its London restructuring & insolvency capability with Crispin Jones promoted to partner last year.
Ashfords partner David Pomeroy said: “Melissa joins the team at a crucial time as businesses face challenges on a number of fronts from increasing price pressures to supply side challenges and workforce shortages.
“She has a huge amount of experience in turnaround and restructuring & insolvency transactional and advisory work. She will be a great asset to our clients and key part of our growing team.”
Melissa added: “Ashfords is growing and investing in its capability. I’m looking forward to expanding my practice working closely with clients and colleagues in a pragmatic and solutions-focused manner to deliver an exceptional restructuring & insolvency service for clients.”
Ashfords, which also has offices in Taunton and Plymouth, advises on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious restructuring and insolvency deals for businesses and individuals.
The team was recognised in The Times Best Law Firms 2023 while David Pomeroy is listed in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame.
