A&O Shearman's broad caseload encompasses acquisition financing, syndicated loans, and debt facility compliance. The practice, which is also skilled at corporate transactions, is jointly led by Jake Mincemoyer and Gus Atiyah, both of whom operate out of New York. Mincemoyer is a key port of call for investment banks and private credit funds on asset-based lending facilities, liability management transactions, and restructuring. Atiyah counts private equity sponsors, hedge funds, and financial institutions on his client roster and is highly proficient in syndicated senior facilities, second-lien facilities, and debt restructuring. Other key members of the practice include Maura O’ Sullivan, who is experienced in restructuring transactions, asset-based finance, and leveraged lending.

 

 

 

 

Headed by New York-based Jaisohn Im, Akin is a strong choice for financial institutions, investment funds, and private equity funds. The firm is also knowledgeable of debt financing transactions, finance structuring, and funding growth capital transactions. Operating out of Dallas, Matthew Bivona is well-versed in secured and unsecured credit facilities, distressed debt restructurings, and mezzanine arrangements.

A strong choice for financial institutions, capital providers, and corporate borrowers on liability management transactions, Baker Botts L.L.P. is experienced in energy, infrastructure, and technology financing. The practice is jointly led by Samantha Crispin and Luke Weedon, both of whom operate in Dallas, as well as Houston-based Natasha Khan. Weedon is highly proficient in secured and unsecured syndicated bank financing, debt restructuring, mezzanine investments, and high-yield debt offerings. Located in Dallas, Shad Sumrow is well-versed in asset-based transactions, derivative transactions, and restructuring. Working out of Houston, Caitlin Lawrence is informed in acquisition financing, sustainability-linked facilities, and tax equity financing. Jonathan Goldstein is well-regarded in the aviation, energy, and shipping sectors and is knowledgeable of hedge transactions, structured financing, as well as secured and unsecured public securities offerings. Other key members of the practice include Houston-based Alexander Kamel.

Highlighted for its strength in energy transactions, Bracewell LLP is highly knowledgeable of asset-based lending and structured financing. The practice is jointly led by Dewey Gonsoulin and Heather Brown, both of whom operate in Houston. Gonsoulin has deep energy transaction financing experience and he is notably skilled at senior secured revolving credit facilities and restructuring. Brown is often engaged in asset-based loans, dividend recapitalizations, project financing, and reserve-based loans. Operating out of New York, Jeris Diana Brunette is informed in senior and subordinated debt financing and acquisition finance, while Houston-based Andrew Bueso is proficient in reserve-based loans. Other key members of the team include New York-based Young June Jhe and Kate Day, who operates out of Houston.

Noted for its expertise in acquisition finance, asset-based facilities, and leveraged loans, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is knowledgeable of syndicated transactions. Operating out of New York, Meme Peponis’ broad caseload encompasses debt financing and high-yield bonds. Peponis is also a key contact for private equity funds, public companies, and sovereign wealth funds, while Duane McLaughlin is versed in debt capital issues, acquisition financing, and debt finance. Amy Shapiro oversees the firm’s fund and sponsor finance team and is principally focused on fund and management company financing, while Matthew Mao is highly proficient in liability management transactions, equity investments, and debt financing.

Well-regarded for its life science and technology financing capabilities, Cooley LLP is headed by San Francisco-based Mischi Marca. Marca is notably experienced in debt financing transactions, credit facilities, and acquisition financing, he is also a key port of call for banks and private equity firms on secured and unsecured credit facilities. Operating out of Washington DC, Michael Tollini is highly proficient in syndicated bank lending and royalty-based financing, while New York-based Patrick Flanagan is experienced in both domestic and international leveraged finance transactions. Located in San Francisco, Jason Savich is often engaged in an array of structured financing matters, while Los Angeles-based Elliie Seber is informed in derivatives transactions. Seber’s caseloads also includes convertible bond offerings and capital markets transactions.

The banking and credit team at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP is a key port of call borrowers on leveraged and investment-grade loans, asset-based financing, direct lending, and restructuring transactions. The firm, which is also noted for its capabilities in syndicated banking finance transactions, is jointly led by George Zobitz, Tatiana Lapushchik, and Stephen Kessing. Zobitz handles loans and securities matters, Lapushchik is versed in leveraged and investment-grade financings across multiple sectors, and Kessing is well-regarded in the financial services, healthcare, and telecoms sectors. Matthew Kelly is experienced in advising financial institutions and corporate borrowers on the full spectrum of lending transactions. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are based in New York.

A key port of call for corporate and financial sponsor-backed borrowers, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is particularly well-versed in syndicated credit and high-yield financing. Operating out of New York, James Florack is a strong choice for various domestic banks and is highly proficient in both leveraged and investment-grade lending, as well as high-yield debt offerings. Well-regarded in the technology, retail, and sports sectors, J.W. Perry’s broad caseload encompasses asset-based loans, bridge loans, and unitranche loans, he is also well-versed in liability management and restructuring. Jason Kyrwood is often engaged in investment-grade, private debt, and recapitalization transactions, while Hilary Dengel frequently handles restructuring, debtor-in-possession financing, and exit financing. Other key members of the team include Vanessa Jackson, who is informed in debt restructuring, working capital financing, and both secured and unsecured financing.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s broad practice encompasses high-yield debt offerings, mezzanine capital investments, second-lien financings, and syndicated bank loans. The practice is headed by Jeffrey Ross, who operates out of New York, and his key strengths lie in acquisition financing and leveraged financing. Scott Selinger is experienced in financing surrounding investments and restructuring, as well as syndicated bank loans and high-yield bond transactions. Ramya Tiller is a key port of call for insurance companies on an array of financing matters, and she is notably experienced in NAV facilities, leveraged transactions, and fund finance transactions. Ryan Rafferty counts private equity firm, debt investors, and corporate entities on his client roster. Other key members of the team include Brett Novick, who is skilled at structured finance transactions. All lawyers mentioned are in New YOrk.

Dechert LLP’s broad caseload encompasses asset finance, subscription facilities, warehouse financing, and NAV financings. In New York, Jay Alicandri acts as co-lead of the firm’s private credit practice, while Laura Swihart acts as joint lead of the firm’s global finance team. Charlotte-based John M Timperio is also co-head of the firm’s global finance, while Scott Zimmerman co-heads the global leveraged finance practice from New York. Alicandri is a key port of call for asset managers, banks, and insurance companies, while New York-based Edward Newlands is experienced in advising asset managers on transaction financing. Lindsay Flora is highly proficient in syndicated debt facilities, debt commitments, bridging loans, and secured lending, while Angelina Liang is versed in leveraged finance transactions. Other key members of the team include Soo-ah Nah, Alon Goldberger, and Ani Ravi.

The banking and finance practice at Eversheds Sutherland is noted for its capabilities in acquisition finance, bank lending, asset finance, and complex structured finance transactions. With a strong presence across the financial services, energy, infrastructure, telecommunications, real estate, and agribusiness sectors, Peter Fozzard co-leads the practice with Christina Rissler. Fozzard is a key port of call for electric generation and transmission cooperatives, as well as renewable energy developers and corporate borrowers, while Rissler is highly knowledgeable of leveraged acquisition financing and loan syndications. Other key members of the team include Shawn Rafferty, who is versed in restructuring. All individuals mentioned are in Atlanta.

Often working in conjunction with the firm’s M&A team on debt transactions, the leveraged finance team at Freshfields is well-versed in investment-grade lending and recapitalizations. Working out of New York, Allison Liff is highly proficient at asset-based lending, acquisition financing, and liability management transactions. Damien Ridealgh is a key port of call for credit funds on hybrid credit financing, leveraged financing, and capital solutions. Kyle Lakin’s broad caseload encompasses restructuring transactions and corporate financing, he is also a strong choice for investment funds, financial sponsors, and private equity institutions.

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP‘s New York-based practice is well-regarded for its experience in advising commercial and investment banks on fund-level financings, manager loans, as well as leveraged and investment-grade transactions. The team, which excels in syndicated debt issues, is led by ‘star’ Daniel Bursky, who is noted for his focus on securities and leveraged finance. Mark Hayek brings deep experience in high-yield debt and leveraged loans, Monica Thurmond is well-versed in leveraged acquisitions, while Adam Summers is proficient in credit and capital markets transactions.

The global finance team at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is recognized for its strength in private equity and borrower-side matters, frequently handling sponsor-backed leveraged acquisition financings, investment-grade facilities, and fund financings. The team also stands out for its restructuring finance capabilities, regularly representing first-lien lender groups. The practice is led by New York-based Doug Horowitz, who is well-regarded for his strength in syndicated and private credit acquisition financings and Aaron Adams, who specializes in senior credit facilities, note offerings, asset-based financings, and mezzanine financings. Los Angeles-based Linda Curtis is another key team member, who is principally focused on acquisition financings, real estate financings, and investment fund financings.

Goodwin’s debt finance team is highly regarded for its experience in advising borrowers on middle-market private equity-backed and institutional loans. The practice, which is well-regarded across the healthcare, life sciences, and technology sectors is led by New York-based Jennifer Bralower, who is well-versed in acquisition finance, syndicated credit facilities, and junior capital transactions. Also operating out of New York, Nick Caro is well-versed in asset-based revolving and senior secured credit facilities. Located in California, Kristopher Ring is another key member of the team and he is noted for his capabilities in private borrower-side debt transactions.

With a broad international footprint spanning the US, Europe, and Asia, Jones Day is skilled at leveraged finance, project finance, and structured finance. On the contentious side, the firm is also notably experienced in financial product disputes, international asset tracing and enforcement, as well as bankruptcy proceedings. The practice is jointly overseen by Brett Barragate and Jayant Tambe, both of whom operate out of New York. Barragate is principally focused on the negotiation and issuance of senior and subordinated debt facilities, while Tambe is highly proficient at litigation surrounding financial transactions. Based in Boston, Rachel Rawson is knowledgeable of asset-based secured loans, investment-grade company financing, and leveraged buyout financing, while Cleveland-based Kevin Samuels is a key port of call for private equity firms, financial institutions, and corporations.

 

 

A key port of call for private equity firms, King & Spalding LLP is well-versed in acquisition financing and asset financing. Operating out of New York, practice co-head Todd Holleman often advises banks on secured and unsecured lending transactions, credit arrangements, as well as first-lien and second-lien transactions. Also co-lead of the team, Atlanta-based Carolyn Alford is knowledgeable of asset-based lending, mezzanine financing, and unitranche financing. Matthew Sandiford is often engaged in finance transactions surrounding the franchising, healthcare, and pharmaceutical sectors, while Chad Werner is versed in cash flow financing and secured transactions. Other key members of the team include Shane Dornburg.

Often advising borrowers on private equity transactions, Kirkland & Ellis LLP’s key strengths lie in debtor-in-possession financing, debt restructuring, and syndicated finance transactions. Notably, the firm is also a key port of call for credit funds, infrastructure funds, and secondary funds on subscription facilities. Operating out of New York, Melissa Hutson is highly proficient in acquisition financings, recapitalizations and debt restructuring. Hutson is also experienced in debt facilities, debt commitments, and bridge loan financing. Jason Kanner’s broad caseload encompasses liability management transactions, restructuring, as well as first and second-lien financings, while David Nemecek splits his time between Dallas and New York. Nemecek is a strong choice for equity sponsors, portfolio companies, hedge funds, asset managers, and alternative capital sources on an array of financing transactions. Located in Chicago, Michelle Kilkenney is noted for her capabilities in senior, mezzanine, and subordinated debt transactions, while New York-based Jay Ptashek handles capital structure management matters. Other key members of the practice include Adam Shapiro, and San Francisco-based Sonali Jindal.

With a global presence across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and US, Latham & Watkins LLP is well-equipped to handle debt financing and liability management matters. The firm is also a strong choice for non-bank financial institutions and debt funds on leveraged lending transaction matters. The firm’s global banking practice is jointly overseen by New York-based Daniel Seale and Alfred Xue, as well as Los Angeles-based Jason Bosworth, while Washington D.C.-based Jason Licht leads the private equity finance team. Other key members of the practice include Washington DC-based Manu Gayatrinath, who is a key port of call for private equity sponsors and borrowers on the full spectrum of financing transactions. Gayatrinath is also knowledgeable of debt restructuring, asset-based loans, acquisition financing, and secured lending. In New York, Joshua Tinkelman is well-versed in leveraged buyouts, while Kendra Kocovsky is informed in asset-based lending. Operating out of Washington DC Katherine Putnam specialises in debt financing transactions and syndicated lending.

Commended as a ‘highly qualified, personable team’, Mayer Brown is noted for its capabilities in asset-based lending, project financing, and syndicated loans. Operating out of New York, Adam Wolk is a strong choice for borrowers on a breadth of transactions across the agriculture, energy, and infrastructure sectors. Mae Rogers is skilled at leveraged buyouts and dividend recapitalizations and often handles debtor-in-possession financings, syndicated secured and unsecured credit facilities, and second-lien financing. Located in Chicago, Jennifer Kratochvil is informed in debt restructuring, sustainability-linked loan facilities, and investment-grade credit facilities.

Highlighted for its strength in asset-based lending, leveraged lending, and retail financing, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP’s practice covers debt financing, syndicated lending, and private note placements. Grigory Marinichev leads the firm’s New York offering, while Boston-based Marjorie Crider is versed in debtor-in-possession financing and is well-regarded in the retail sector. Operating out of Philadelphia, Andrew Budreika is experienced in advising private equity firms and public companies on leveraged acquisition financing, bond offerings, and syndicated credit matters. Located in Hartford, Heather Lynn Wenzel is skilled at restructuring transactions, as well as secured and unsecured debt transactions. In Boston, Matthew Furlong handles multinational credit facilities and is active across the manufacturing, retail, and transport sectors.

 

 

 

Commended for its ‘legal expertise on all manner of fund financing transactions’, Morrison Foerster assists asset managers and private debt funds on finance structuring. Working out of San Francisco, Dario Avram is vastly experienced in advising private equity companies on acquisition financing, while Eric Min is highly proficient in asset-based lending, investment grade lending, and syndicated lending. Michael Vernace is experienced in transactional matters across the media, healthcare, and technology sectors, while New York-based Geoffrey Peck is versed in mezzanine financing and restructuring. In Denver, Jake Philip Burne’s caseload encompasses fund financing and leveraged buyouts. Other key members of the team include New York-based Geoffrey Peck, who is skilled at mezzanine financing and restructuring.

With a broad international footprint, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is highly knowledgeable of acquisition financing, debtor-in-possession loans, and project financing. Splitting her time between New York and Los Angeles, Caroline Epstein counts Hg Capital, Investindustrial, and KKR on her client roster, and she is a strong choice for private equity sponsors on refinancing and recapitalizations. Operating out of New York, Thomas de la Bastide is proficient at leveraged buyouts and corporate debt issuances. Gregory Ezring is highly experienced in advising private equity funds and alternative asset managers on leveraged finance transactions, debt restructurings, and public equity offerings. Suhan Shim is informed in fund-level financing and NAV facilities, while Eric Wedel, who splits his time between Los Angeles and New York, is skilled at acquisition financing.

Well-regarded for its capabilities in leveraged finance transactions, Ropes & Gray LLP is a key port of call for domestic and international private equity entities. The firm is also noted for its experience in a breadth of fund financing transactions, distressed investments, and liability management transactions. Operating out of Boston, Michael Lee is a strong choice for private equity sponsors on high-yield bond issuances, bridge facilities, syndicated credit facilities, and ABL facilities. Located in New York, Leonard Klingbaum is knowledgeable of an array of capital solutions, insolvencies, as well as direct lending, high-yield, and mezzanine transactions. Also based in New York, Stefanie Birkmann is often engaged in leveraged acquisition finance and recapitalizations, she is also skilled at debt restructuring and asset-based loans. Boston-based Byung Choi's broad caseload encompasses high-yield bond offerings, junior capital facilities, and syndicated credit facilities.

A key port of call for sponsors, borrowers, and public companies, Sidley Austin LLP is particularly well-regarded in the automotive, financial services, and healthcare sectors. The firm is also noted for its expertise in the financing aspects of acquisitions and dividend recapitalization transactions, leveraged financing, and liability management transactions. The practice is jointly overseen by Dallas-based Angela Fontana who is well-versed in debt restructuring and investment-grade lending, and New York-based Leslie Plaskon. Also operating out of New York, Nicholas Schwartz counts corporate and private equity borrowers on his client roster, and Dallas-based Kelly Dybala is highlighted for her capabilities in mezzanine financing work.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s syndicated lending practitioners often work in conjunction with the firm’s capital markets team on bank and bond financing. The firm’s notable client roster includes private equity investors, sovereign wealth funds, and financial investment firms. Operating out New York, Alexandra Kaplan is highly knowledgeable of acquisition finance, asset-based lending, bridge facilities, and restructuring transactions. She is also a key port of call for financial institutions, private credit funds, and commercial banks, while Brian Steinhardt handles bank and bridge loan financing, infrastructure financing, and acquisition financing. Steinhardt is also highly proficient in leveraged and investment-grade syndicated bank financing and Patrick Ryan is informed in the arrangement and syndicated of senior credit facilities. William Sheehan handles bridge financing, private credit transactions, and restructuring, while Brian Gluck is versed in refinancing transactions, REIT financing, and fund-level financing.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP’s broad practice encompasses acquisition financing, leveraged recapitalizations, and debtor-in-possession financing. The international practice is also a strong choice for sizeable banks, hedge funds, and private equity sponsors. Operating out of Chicago, Seth Jacobson is vastly experienced in leveraged loans, asset-based loans, liability management transactions, and inter-creditor agreements. Located in New York, Steven Messina’s key strengths lie in corporate financing transactions, investment grade financing, and mezzanine loans. In Los Angeles, Leila Sayegh often handles first and second-lien financings and bridge loans and New York-based Christian Nahr is well-regarded in the technology sector. Nahr is also well-versed in dividend recapitalizations, and other key members of the team include Tracey Chenoweth.

Well-regarded for its activity in the energy sector, Vinson & Elkins LLP handles acquisition and leveraged financing for private equity sponsors. The firm is headed by David Wicklund who operates out of New York- he is notably experienced in asset-based facilities, high-yield bond offerings, and syndicated loans. Wicklund is also reputed in the infrastructure and technology sectors, while Houston-based Mark Holmes is informed in leveraged finance transactions, debt portfolio acquisitions, and reserve-based financing. Caitlin Turner  is highly knowledgeable of sustainable financing and Dallas-based East Berhane is skilled at debt financing.

Reputed for its strength in liability management matters, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz often advises corporate borrowers on leveraged recapitalizations. The practice’s key strengths also lie in acquisition financing, capital financing, as well as distressed M&A. Operating out of New York, Gregory Pessin is highly proficient in debt and financing matters, while Emily Johnson is well-regarded for her capabilities in investment grade and leveraged transactions. Johnson is also informed in capital market transactions, while Michael Benn is skilled at liability management transactions. John Sobolewski is versed in leveraged M&A, syndicated and direct loans, and NAV loans, while Benjamin Arfa handles restructuring issues.  Rod Ghods is another key team member.

Commended for its ‘outstanding market knowledge’, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is especially knowledgeable of investment and leveraged grade acquisition financings. The firm, which is praised as ‘responsive’ is also a key port of call for private equity firms on dividend recapitalizations. In New York, Daniel Dokos acts as the head of the global finance team, while Andrew Colao and Justin Lee jointly oversee the banking and finance team with Dallas-based Courtney Marcus. A key port of call for energy clients, Marcus is vastly experienced in loan restructurings, recapitalizations transactions, and asset-based lending, while Lee is noted for his expertise investment grade lending, multi-jurisdictional financing, and second lien financing. Operating out of New York, Jessie Chiang is knowledgeable of debtor-in-possession financing, debt restructuring transactions, and bridge loans while Silicon Valley-based Justina Chen is informed in syndicated lending.

Praised by clients for its ‘global reach’ and ‘strong partners’, White & Case LLP is noted for its capabilities in leveraged loans, revolving credit agreement issues, and high-value financing transactions. Notably, the New York-based, which is led by Justin Wagstaff counts major energy conglomerates, private equity funds, and portfolio companies on its client roster. Wagstaff oversees the firm’s global financing team and is often engaged in liability management transactions and financial restructurings, while Binoy Dharia concentrates on dividend recapitalization, investment-grade facilities, and DIP financing. Sherri Snelson provides the team with expertise in private credit lending and Brett Pallin is highly proficient in debtor-in-possession and exit financings. Other key members of the practice include Yehuda Rubel.

Counting hedge funds, major corporations, and software companies on its client roster, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has extensive expertise in leveraged buyouts, dividend recapitalizations, and restructurings. The firm is also skilled at exit facilities and is particularly well-regarded for its activity in the energy, finance, and healthcare sectors. Operating out of New York, the practice is jointly overseen by Viktor Okasmaa and Andres Mena, and Okasmaa, who is noted for his capabilities in acquisition finance and leveraged buyouts, is also a strong choice for investment banks. Mena is a key port of call for private equity funds and portfolio companies, while in Chicago, Jacob Schtevie is highly knowledgeable on sponsor-backed LBOs. Operating out of Houston, Andrew Thomison is principally focused on private placements, while other key members of the practice include New York-based Joshua Deason.

Overseen by Boston-based Mick Bain, WilmerHale is praised for its ‘responsiveness and thoroughness.’ Working out of Denver, Chalyse Robinson is a key port of call for energy, financial services, retail, and technology clients and is often engaged in acquisition financing and debt financing transactions. Located in Denver, Nathan Moore is a strong choice for financial institutions and is highly proficient in debt and royalty financing transactions, while Jana Lama is noted for her capabilities in debt finance and capital markets matters.