“Melissa Butler stands out for her market-leading work advising sovereign entities on bond issuances, with notable strength working for African governments. She also regularly works with leading investment banks and corporate issuers.”
“Melissa is great. She's incredibly focused, driven, hands-on and always responsive.”
Chambers UK 2026
“Melissa always delivers on short timeframes.” “Melissa is highly rated her from a technical level; she definitely knows her stuff and is commercial.”
Chambers Global 2026
Biography
Melissa Butler is the Global Co-Head of the Sovereigns and Public Sector Group at White & Case, a partner in the Firm's Capital Markets group in London and Chair of the Responsible Business Committee of White & Case LLP. She has experience representing public and private issuers and underwriters in offerings in the United States pursuant to Rule 144A, and outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S, and SEC-registered equity offerings.
Melissa is renowned for her ability to navigate complex and cross-border transactions, and has played a pivotal role in some of the most innovative and challenging deals in frontier and emerging markets in recent times. Her extensive track record includes advising sovereigns, financial institutions, and corporates on landmark debt offerings and debt management, often in volatile and fast-evolving environments.
Experience
Zambia's sovereign debt restructuring
Representation of the Republic of Zambia in connection with a comprehensive US$13 billion debt restructuring of Zambia's external debt, including its Eurobonds due in 2022, 2024 and 2027, and in relation to all of Zambia's official and commercial debt. Zambia's case is the most complex sovereign debt restructuring to date in the G20 Common Framework. Awarded "Restructuring Team of the Year" at the FT Innovative Lawyer Awards Europe 2024 and "Sovereign Debt Restructuring of the Year" at the GRR Awards 2024
Poland's State Treasury Bond
Representation of the State Treasury of the Republic of Poland, represented by the Minister of Finance, in connection with the issuance of US$8 billion of notes registered with the SEC under its shelf registration statement. At the time this was the largest State Treasury bond issuance in the US dollar market.
Sweihan PV Power Company's landmark green project bond refinancing of world's largest single-site solar project
Representation of Sweihan PV Power Company on a landmark green project bond refinancing of world's largest single-site solar project. The issuance was the first green project bond in the MENA region. It was also the first green bond offering for a UAE renewables project to international investors and a critical part of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi's energy transition strategy.
Axian Telecom's high yield bond and credit facilities
Representation of the initial purchasers in connection with Axian Telecom's offering of US$600 million senior notes and the lenders on US$200 million (equivalent) credit facilities, consisting of a Term Loan Facility and a Revolving Credit Facility. Axian Telecom is a leading pan-African telecommunications services provider serving more than 40 million customers.
Ghana's zero coupon notes
Representation of the Republic of Ghana in connection with the update of its GMTN Programme and issuances thereunder of US$2.5 billion (in aggregate) notes and US$525 million of zero coupon notes pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S. The zero coupon notes represented the first ever issuance of zero coupon notes by an African sovereign issuer. With an aggregate principal amount of US$3.25 billion as part of the other funds raised, this was one of the largest issuances by an African sovereign. Awarded "International Sovereign, Supra & Agency Bond Deal of the Year 2022" at Bonds & Loans Africa Awards 2022.
Uzbekistan's programme establishment and debut bond offering
Representation of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan in connection with the establishment of Uzbekistan's GMTN program and debut issuance of US$1 billion sovereign bonds thereunder in two tranches pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S.
Band 1 – Debt Capital Markets
Chambers UK, 2025
Hall of Fame – Debt Capital Markets
Legal 500, 2025
Leading Partner – Emerging Markets
Legal 500, 2025
Outstanding Contribution Award
Chambers Africa Awards, 2024
Spotlight – Capital Markets
Chambers Africa-Wide, 2024
Financial News Top 20 Most Influential in Legal Services, 2021
