International law firm Asserson has bolstered its Manchester team with the appointment of Michael Francos-Downs to its real estate finance practice.
Michael acts for borrowers, banks, institutional and private lenders and development finance funders on complex and high-value secured finance transactions across diverse asset classes.
These include landed estates, healthcare properties, industrial and logistics sites, buy-to-let portfolios, large-scale residential developments and multi-let retail buildings.
He has joined Asserson as a legal director from Brabners, where he was a senior associate.
Michael said: “I’m delighted to be joining Asserson at a time of real momentum for the firm.
“The calibre of our existing talent, together with the impressive new hires the firm continues to attract, really stands out.
“I look forward to using my experience to support the growth of the real estate finance practice and to strengthen Asserson’s presence in the market.”
Michael Clavell-Bate, partner and head of Asserson’s Manchester office, said: “Michael’s arrival further strengthens our real estate finance team, where he will work on commercial projects in the north west and across the UK, as well as supporting colleagues based internationally.
“His appointment is another milestone in our continued growth in the region, and we look forward to further expansion in 2026 across all our practices, including disputes, corporate and commercial and real estate.”
Asserson’s Manchester team is based in Arkwright Buildings in the city centre and supports a regional, national and international client base, practising English law.
