Cadwalader Names Two Special Counsel in London Office.

Business Editors/Legal Writers

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 27, 2003

Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, one of the world's leading international law firms, has named Conor Downey and Andrew Lucas as Special Counsel to the firm.

Mr. Downey joins the firm's Capital Markets practice from DLA, London. Mr. Lucas is an attorney in the Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions Department, resident in the London office.

Mr. Downey advises on banking and security issues on a broad range of securitization, structuring and structured finance matters both in the UK and Europe. He has also been a member of the Securitization Departments at Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe in London and Allen & Overy in London.

Mr. Lucas has worked on a wide range of corporate and corporate finance matters throughout Europe and South-East Asia, including public and private company financings, mergers and acquisitions, reorganizations and restructurings, joint ventures, takeovers, initial public offerings and general corporate and commercial issues.

"We are pleased to name these exemplary lawyers as Special Counsel to the firm," said Robert O. Link, Jr., Cadwalader's Chairman. "We look forward to Conor's contributions to our growing International Capital Markets Department. His experience complements and strengthens our European team. Andrew, already a valued member of our Corporate M&A Department, has proven he has the ability to handle a broad range of corporate matters. He will continue to be a great benefit to the firm as we build this practice area in Europe."

"Special Counsel at Cadwalader enhance the level of service the firm provides and support each of the firm's departments by supervising cases and deals, maintaining client relationships and training junior attorneys," stated Link. "This select group of attorneys demonstrate expertise and skills that significantly contribute to our firm's success," Link concluded.

Conor Downey holds a Bachelor of Civil Law Degree, with honors, from the University College Dublin. He is admitted to the roll of Solicitors of England, Wales and Ireland.

Andrew Lucas graduated with an LLB degree from Kings College London in 1990. He qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales in 1994 and as a solicitor in Hong Kong in 1997.

Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, established in 1792, is one of the world's leading international law firms, with offices in New York, Charlotte, Washington and London. Cadwalader serves a diverse client base, including many of the world's top financial institutions, undertaking business in more than 50 countries in six continents. The firm offers legal expertise in securitization, structured finance, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, real estate, environmental, insolvency, litigation, health care, global public affairs, banking, project finance, insurance and reinsurance, tax, and private client matters. More information about Cadwalader can be found at www.cadwalader.com.