Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP‘s New York-based private credit & direct lending department handles a considerable breadth of private credit transactions, and has included among its portfolio of mandates various recapitalizations, bridge, mezzanine and hybrid facilities. Nicholas Palumbo is turned to by funds, investors and lenders for first and second lien, unitranche, asset-based loans and other financing, and co-heads the practice with Jason Kyrwood, who frequently operates in cross-border financing, often with multijurisdictional components. Meyer Dworkin is experienced in special situation, asset-based lending and unitranche facilities, while Robert Morrison, who joined the team in August 2025, is experienced in stretch and bridge facilities. Kenneth Steinberg advises clients on a number of restructurings and debtor-in-possession transactions. Zachary Frimet is highly sought after for his background in multilien, recapitalization and unitranche facilities. Ruben Henriquez was promoted to partner in July 2025, and is experienced in stretch and revolving credit facility transactions, along with Vanessa Jackson. Sanders Witkow is well-placed to advise direct lenders on senior stretch and asset-based loans, and operates closely with David Kennedy . Matthew J. Wiener is also key to note.

Latham & Watkins leverages a portfolio of market-leading investment funds, direct lenders, private credit providers and investors to operate in significant domestic and international financing transactions. The team routinely advises on the full spectrum of private credit transactions, including unitranche, multilien, mezzanine, bridge, holdco and hybrid capital financing. The team is jointly headed by its senior partners, which includes Daniel Seale in New York, who handles asset-based loans, unitranche and other transactions for private credit providers. Alongside Seale, Alfred Xue is well-regarded for his expertise in cross-border transactions, encompassing credit facilities over multiple jurisdictions. Stelios Saffos, operating from New York, is a key member of the team for mezzanine and bridge financing, while Peter Sluka is a go-to destination for second lien and special situation financing. Jason Bosworth heads the Los Angeles practice, while Michael Waldman is a key member of the team for asset-based loans pertaining to the healthcare, pharmaceutical and technology sectors. Chicago-based John Lister is also a key operator in recapitalization and restructuring for direct lenders.

Milbank‘s private credit practice is retained to advise clients from the technology, healthcare, infrastructure, media, and telecommunication industries, and advises on a variety of transactions encompassing holdco, debtor-in-possession, unitranche, asset-based loans and other financial instruments. The team is a port of call for major direct lenders, investors and private credit providers, and is well-regarded for their experience in multijurisdictional transactions involving esoteric asset classes and financial instruments. Marcus Dougherty, based in New York, directs the team, and is highly sought after for his 30 years’ experience in advising direct lenders in various multilien and unitranche facilities. Lauren Hanrahan includes among her portfolio of mandates domestic and cross-border financings, with a particular background in junior capital and asset-based loans. Charles Stern is well-regarded for his abilities in special situation financing, operating in a number of recapitalization, mezzanine and bridge facilities. Kamal Nesfield departed the team in 2025.

The direct lending and private credit department at Kirkland & Ellis LLP boasts significant capacities for debt finance and capital solutions transactions. H.T. Flanagan is at the forefront for capital solutions mandates, and is experienced in liability management, novel financial instruments and special situations finance. Thomas Dobleman is well-regarded for his expertise in first and second lien loans, unitranche, mezzanine and bridge facilities. Houston-based Mary Kogut is an adept operator in refinancing and restructuring mandates. Austin Witt and Paul Sandler are both based in New York, and are routinely sought after by investment funds, private equity sponsors, direct lenders, and investors for a spectrum of rescue financing, distressed transactions and credit investments, including various credit facilities. David Nemecek has left the firm.

The direct lending and private credit practice at the New York-based Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is praised as ‘one of the market leaders’ for special situations finance, including stressed and distressed lending, boasting a broad spectrum of asset managers, direct lenders and investors as its clientele. The team is jointly headed by its senior partners, including Sung Pak, a port of call for mezzanine lending. Brian Bolin is often seen in private credit transactions with cross-border elements, while Joseph Glatt has over 25 years of experience in bespoke credit transactions. Thomas de la Bastide is an essential member of the team for asset-based, second lien, secured and mezzanine lending. Lauren Bilzin is a key point of contact for financing involving a range of industries, including technology, real estate and others. Adam Longenbach and Anastasia Peterson left the team in May 2025 and January 2026 respectively.

The private credit team at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is well-regarded for its depth of expertise in debt-based financial transactions, and includes among its portfolio of mandates multilien, unitranche, and mezzanine facilities, along with holdco and asset-based financing. David Teh heads the team, and is a key point of contact in New York for credit facilities transactions and special situation financing, both domestically and across jurisdictions. Houston-based Matthew Einbinder is retained to advise sponsors, direct lenders and investors in a number of debt acquisitions, restructurings and leveraged finance deals. Justin Lungstrum, operating in New York, is highly sought after for his experience in asset-based loans, cash-flow, mezzanine, bridge and senior credit facilities. Jennifer Albrecht, also based in New York, is a key member of the team for credit facilities and recapitalizations, and liability management deals. David Nemecek joined the team in February 2026.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

White & Case LLP's debt finance offering is highlighted by clients for its ‘combination of deep technical expertise, commercial judgment’. The team is proficient at advising sponsors in a number of financing avenues, including asset-based loans encompassing the technology, infrastructure and energy sectors. New York-based Justin Wagstaff heads the practice, which encompasses David Ridley, a port of call for revolving credit facilities, recapitalizations and debtor-in-possession facilities. Vincenzo Lucibello, based in Boston, is turned to for his experience in an array of credit transactions, including mezzanine and unitranche loans. Also Boston-based, Jessica Ball is retained to advise on a number of multilien, holdco and senior secured credit facilities. Eric Klar is a point of contact in Miami for expertise in asset-based lending, particularly those involving major data centers. New York-based Eliza McDougall frequently advises funds, investors and direct lenders on credit-based financing and refinancing. Brenda Dieck is a key name to note for cross-border credit facilities, and is based in Los Angeles.

The A&O Shearman debt finance practice leverages a breadth of experience of interest to direct lenders and private credit providers, and includes among its portfolio of mandates various mezzanine, multilien, unitranche and asset-based credit facilities. Based in New York, Jake Mincemoyer directs the team, and is a key operator in asset-based loans and liability management. Maura O’Sullivan has a strong track record in local and multijurisdictional financings, including first and second lien loans. Todd Koretzky handles a number of debtor-in-possession and unitranche loan transactions. Ilona Potiha Laor and Michael Chernick are also key members of the team. Gus Atiyah left the team in 2025.

Dechert‘s private credit practice includes among its portfolio of mandates various asset-based, bridge, mezzanine and multilien credit facilities. Jay Alicandri heads the New York practice, and is turned to by banks, funds, investors and asset managers for a spectrum of private credit transactions. John Timperio directs the Charlotte team, and has over 25 years of experience in debt-related financial instruments, including NAV facilities and fund financings – areas in which Washington DC-based Harry Pangas is also active. New York-based Angelina Liang is a key member of the team for multilien, mezzanine and other credit facility structures. Also in New York, Ani Ravi is experienced in NAV and asset-based loans, while Avni Patel is sought after for her experience in international credit-based transactions

The direct lending team at King & Spalding has a strong track record in a diverse array of domestic and cross-border debt facility structures. The New York office is jointly managed by its senior partners, which includes Carolyn Alford, who transitioned from the Atlanta practice and offers expertise in unitranche, mezzanine, first and second lien facilities; Todd Holleman, who counts various private equity funds and direct lenders among his clients; and Marisa Sotomayor, a port of call for cash flow and asset-based facilities. Amy Peters heads the Chicago office, and is sought after by clients for her experience in recapitalizations, restructurings and various debt financing instruments. Kim Prior, Eric Wise and Matthew Kelsey all joined the team as partners in 2025, while Andrew Bettwy joined from Proskauer Rose LLP in June 2026.

Mayer Brown’s private credit offering is retained to advise on restructuring, credit facilities, and a variety of other transactional services for funds and private credit lenders. Matthew O’Meara heads the Chicago office, bringing over 25 years’ experience in domestic and international credit financings, while, Sheel Patel, who also heads the New York team, frequently operates in mezzanine, equity investment and asset-based facilities. Elizabeth Hermann Smith are key members of the Chicago practice, leveraging expertise in a broad array of credit and debt-related financial instruments. Versed in private credit and leveraged finance transactions, Ben Snyder, operating in New York, is retained to advise on special situation transactions, including first and second lien financing, cash flow, bridge and asset-based facilities.

Vinson & Elkins LLP‘s direct lending team includes among its portfolio of clients debt and equity funds, hedge funds, mezzanine funds and others. David Wicklund  heads the New York-based practice and is adept in bilateral credit, mezzanine and asset-based facilities. Houston-based Zach Rider is sought after by direct lenders and sponsors in various financing transactions pertaining to energy, real estate and other assets. Also in Houston, Carter Olson is an expert in asset-based facilities and debt financing. Caitlin Turner and Demi Hueth, both operating from New York, are active in high-yield and distressed debt transactions. Dallas-based Natalie Harrison is a highly active member of the team, operating in revolving credit and other debt facilities. Megan Hardy and Avi Shchigel are also key members of the New York practice.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP‘s direct lending practice has a broad capacity in credit-related financial structures, with New York-based co-head Victor Okasmaa frequently sought after by hedge funds, credit providers and direct lenders. Fellow co-heads Andres Mena and Joshua Deason, also based in New York, are retained to advise on a number of first and second lien loans, mezzanine facilities, asset-based loans and other financial instruments. Najeh Baharun, operating from Los Angeles, is sought after by clients for his expertise in unitranche, bridge and various credit facilities. New York-based Daniel Durschlag handles domestic and cross-border credit facilities, while Sarah Kessler, based in Chicago, is a port of call for asset-based loans, NAV and credit facilities and refinancing. Melainie Mansfield is also a notable member of the Chicago office.

Winston Taylor

The private credit offering at DLA Piper LLP (US) leverages broad experience in advising on mezzanine loans, credit facilities and the full spectrum of alternative financing instruments, areas in which San Diego-based Matt Schwartz has expertise. Co-heading the practice, New York-based, Ryan Moreno is frequently turned to by private credit providers and alternative lenders in unitranche and asset-based financing. Also based in New York, Jamie Knox and Alan Rockwell are both active in domestic and cross-border financing, refinancing and lending pertaining to assets in the technology, healthcare and other sectors. Shana Ramirez, based in Los Angeles, offers direct lenders experience in hybrid facilities and recapitalizations, and joined the team in September 2025. Heather Waters Borthwick left the practice in August 2025.

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP‘s private lending team boasts a reputation for leveraged finance transactions. The New York-based practice is jointly headed by its senior partners, which includes Daniel Bursky, a port of call for mezzanine, bridge, first and second lien credit facilities. Caroline Sandberg is a well-regarded member of the team for unitranche and syndicated facilities, recapitalizations and restructurings. Eliza Riffe Hollander has left the firm.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP‘s private credit practice advises on a spectrum of domestic and multijurisdictional transactions, and is well-versed in a diverse array of finance instruments. The team’s roster of mandates feature debtor-in-possession and mezzanine facilities, unitranche loans, and other structures. The team is jointly headed by its New York-based partners, which are comprised of Douglas Horowitz  and Aaron Adams. Alongside them, Ryan Kim is a key member of the team for special situation transactions, and he includes among his portfolio of clients multinational private credit lenders. Michael Saliba joined the team in March 2025 and is turned to for his expertise in recapitalization, hybrid capital, and other bespoke financing. Linda Curtis retired from practice in February 2025.

Katten‘s Chicago-based private credit practice is retained to advise on a number of acquisition financing, senior secured debt and credit facilities and other transaction types. Michael Jacobson heads the Chicago practice, and is experienced in advising on asset-based loans, recapitalizations and other mezzanine financings. Jennifer Wolfe is highly active in leveraged buyouts and cash-flow financing, while Derek Ladgenski is experienced in bilateral credit facilities. Geoff AuYeung is turned to for cross-border financing, while Jan Harris Cate is a key point of contact in the Los Angeles practice. Neil Shelton and Scott Lyons are both well-versed in leveraged buyout, workout and multitranche financing. Shana Ramirez departed the team in September 2025.

The private credit offering at Morrison Foerster leverages broad expertise in direct lender transactional requirements, advising on mezzanine loans, unitranche facilities, receivables, first and second lien loans, and other instruments and asset classes. San Francisco and New York-based Dario Avram is turned to for his expertise in cross-border financing and diverse asset class transactions. David Ephraim manages the Boston team and has over 20 years’ experience in advising private credit lenders, while Tammy Davies, operating from New York, routinely acts in special situation transactions. Victor Liang and Jeff Xu, also based in New York, advise on transactions involving esoteric asset classes, including energy and infrastructure assets. Boston-based David Givner and Beth Tunstall are also key points of contact for technology-oriented financing matters and loans, including second lien and cross-border credit facilities.

Sidley Austin LLP‘s private credit offering includes among its portfolio of mandates transactions pertaining to restructuring, lending, investments, and other areas. The team boasts expertise in distressed finance, broad asset class experience, including CLOs, alongside cross-border finance and a spectrum of other commercial lending matters. Angela Fontana and Leslie Plaskon jointly head the Global Finance Group out of Dallas and New York respectively, while Allison J. Satyr and James Snyder direct the Chicago office’s Private Credit team, and have a proven track record in debt-related investments and financial instruments. Peter Burke, operating from Century City, has over 25 years of experience advising on international finance transactions, and is a fountain of expertise on second-lien, unitranche and intercreditor transactions.

Akin‘s direct lending practice is experienced in a breadth of asset-based finance classes, which encompasses credit loans, facilities, and other financings pertaining to real estate, energy, and infrastructure companies. Jointly heading the New York office, Jaisohn Im and Dan Fisher are both well-regarded for their work in bespoke financial instruments and recapitalization transactions, with the latter co-heading the capital solutions practice with Ranesh Ramanathan, a key presence in the New York and Boston teams when advising major capital providers and investment firms. Corinne Musa, based in New York, is also a port of call for special vehicles, facilities and other financial instruments for investment companies, while Josh Peary is also noted as a key operator in the Boston office. Scott Colton and William Brady resigned as partners in December 2025 and January 2026 respectively.

Alston & Bird LLP‘s private credit practice is highly active in transactions pertaining to syndicated credit facilities, refinancing matters, revolving credit facilities, and split lien term loans. Mike Parisi heads the practice from Atlanta, and is sought by alternative lenders for his broad experience in bilateral and syndicated loan transactions. Also based in Atlanta, Jordan Myers and Chris Underwood have a strong track record in cross-border and local asset-based and cash flow loan facilities. Paul Hespel is a key figure in the team’s New York office, with over 25 years’ experience in multi-tranche and split lien financing, while Kate Moseley is highly active in the Dallas office, operating in mezzanine, high-yield, and other finance transaction instruments. Bijal Vira and Adam Heasley both joined the practice in 2025.

The New York-based debt finance practice at Clifford Chance is well-versed in asset-based lending, unitranche facilities, mezzanine loans and other financial instruments of interest to private credit companies, investors and direct lenders. Andrew Young heads the team, and is a key operator for private credit financing pertaining to real estate, technology, entertainment and other sector asset classes. Jason Ewart is a key adviser for second lien financing, preferred equity financing, and other financing matters domestically and internationally. Daniel Winick leverages broad experience in first and second lien loans, mezzanine facilities and other alternative lending means. Thomas McGowan and Steven Starr are both sought by clients for their experience in cross-border financing, credit facilities, and other direct loans.

Foley Hoag LLP

The private credit and capital solutions department at Freshfields has a strong track-record in direct lending transactions encompassing bilateral credit facilities, recapitalization, and asset-based financing, along with a breadth of other financial instruments. Damian Ridealgh heads the New York-based team, and remains a port of call for liability management and capital solution mandates, advising a breadth of direct lenders and private credit providers, including Blackstone, Blue Torch Capital, Mudrick Capital and other clients in domestic and cross-border transactions, encompassing a range of asset classes.

McDermott Will & Schulte is broadly experienced at advising borrower-side clients in facilities, syndicated lending, venture lending, asset-based loans, and various other alternative financings. Michael Boykins and Stephanie McCann jointly head the Chicago office, while Gary Rosenbaum directs the Los Angeles team, with a practice encompassing a range of cash-flow, mezzanine, and credit facilities. David Arnstein is a key member of the team for private credit and non-conventional lenders. Jean LeBlanc and Mike Rostov are highly sought after in debt, mezzanine, venture lending, alongside distressed financing, asset-based and revolving loan facilities. New York-based Riley Orloff is also notable for his broad experience in credit transactions, including bilateral and syndicated facilities and cross-border financing.