A&O Shearman‘s leveraged finance practice advises a range of leading investment and commercial banks, financial institutions, direct lenders, and financial sponsors across various types of debt financings. The team is particularly well-equipped to advise clients on high-yield debt offerings, special situations lending and restructurings. Practice head Jake Mincemoyer leads the New York-based team and is equally capable of assisting lender-clients with both syndicated and private credit arrangements. The team also features Todd Koretzky, whose practice spans the syndicated loan and direct lending markets and ranges from middle-market to large-cap transactions. Joseph Furst is also a name to note, especially for his knowledge of cross-border commercial finance transactions. Ally de Padua was promoted to the partnership in 2023. Following the 2024 merger of A&O Shearman and Shearman & Sterling LLP, the practice now includes Gus Atiyah who is well versed at assisting equity and debt funds with raising fund-level financings; Michael Chernick whose versatile practice spans syndicated lending, direct lending and private credit fund work; Maura O’Sullivan whose expertise lies in cross-border financings and Frank Oliver who was promoted to partnership in July 2023. Joel Moss departed from the firm in March 2023.

The global debt finance team at Akin regularly assists private equity investment funds as well as corporate borrowers with financing arrangements and cross-border debt restructurings. The team can be seen handling large-cap and middle-market acquisition financings and also regularly advises on asset-based facilities as well as bridge financings. The New York based practice is led by Jaisohn In, whose expertise primarily lies in special situation financings and private credit transactions. Scott Welkis and Chad Nichols left the firm in February and March 2023, respectively, while leveraged lending and distressed financing expert Catherine Goodall joined the team from Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in February 2023 and fund financing specialist Corinne Musa arrived from Cooley LLP in May 2023.

Based in Texas, the finance team at Bracewell LLP is active on both the borrower and lender sides of financing. The team is experienced at representing large energy companies and private equity funds investing in energy. Clients include foreign banks, US money center banks, large midstream companies and regulated utilities. The team is jointly led by practice heads Dewey Gonsoulin Jr who is active in energy financing, specifically credit facilities in the upstream energy sector; Heather Brown who is adept at handling restructurings and loan workouts in the energy sector; G Alan Rafte and Robin Miles . Another notable mention in the team is Jeris Brunette , whose expertise lies in corporate and project finance in the energy and power sectors.

Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP advises a range of clients, including hedge funds, finance companies, insurance companies commercial and investment banks. On the leveraged finance and private credit side, the team typically handles leveraged finance acquisition financings, first and second lien financings, syndicated credit facilities and debtor-in-possession facilities. The team’s fund finance work features representation of agents, lead arrangers and lenders on a range of fund finance facilities. Jointly leading the team at practice head level is new addition to the team Ronald Lovelace from King & Spalding LLP, who focuses his practice on leveraged finance and other debt financings; New-York based Christopher McDermott who is knowledgeable of innovation and emerging technologies which impact financing transactions, such as blockchain technology; Wesley Misson is a key name for ESG facilities and commercial finance expert Jeffrey Nagle. Along with Lovelace, Joseph Polonsky, Patrick J. Yingling and Jared Zajac joined the team from King & Spalding LLP in February 2023. All lawyers mentioned are based in Charlotte unless otherwise stated.

At Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP, the New York-based banking and finance practice is well-regarded for its leveraged lending capabilities, regularly advising syndicated lenders and arrangers on high-value credit facilities for both corporate and private equity borrowers. Clients of the firm primarily include large international banking institutions such as Credit Suisse, J.P. Morgan, Citigroup and Morgan Stanley. The team has ample experience being instructed by banks involved in lending and underwriting, to assist with leveraged transactions. Sitting as part of the firm’s executive committee, James Clark jointly leads the practice alongside Adam Dworkin. Clark has significant experience representing major investment banks and corporations in capital market transactions, while Dworkin is a key name for leveraged finance. David Barash and Joshua Zelig departed the team in May 2023. The team meanwhile welcomed Joel Moss from Shearman & Sterling LLP to the practice in March 2023.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton’s debt finance team in New York is adept at handling acquisition finance, syndicated and directly placed leveraged loans, investment grade revolving and term loans and asset-based facilities. The team is jointly led by Duane McLaughlin and Meme Peponis . Areas of expertise for Peponis include debt financings such as, leveraged loans and high-yield bonds. McLaughlin regularly handles bank lending and capital markets, representing investment grade and leveraged borrowers. Amy Shapiro is also a key member of the team, assisting private equity firms and their portfolio companies on financing matters, as well as financial sponsors in fund and management company financings. The team welcomed Kate Grimm from Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP in June 2023.

 

 

At Cooley LLP the debt finance team is regarded for its expertise in the life sciences and technology sectors. It has significant experience advising on capital call facilities for venture and private equity funds. Leading the team from San Francisco is practice head Mischi Marca. In New York, Patrick Flanagan is a key member of the team, regularly representing corporate borrowers, private equity firms and financial institutions on matters related to leveraged finance transactions. Washington DC-based Michael Tollini focuses his practice on acquisition finance, syndicated bank lending and structured finance. Cindy Lovering left the firm in August 2023.

Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP‘s banking and credit practice is experienced at handling a range of lending transactions. The New York-based team is jointly led by George Zobitz, whose practice encompasses syndicated loans, direct lending transactions and securities; Tatiana Lapushchik  who is a key name for leveraged and investment grade bank financings in the industrial, consumer, technology, media and oil and gas sectors; and Stephen Kessing who is well versed at representing borrowers across a range of industries and large financial institutions in a range of lending transactions. Matthew Kelly is also a valued member of the team with experience representing clients on both the lender and borrower side of financing. March 2023 saw the arrival of Korey Fevzi and Philip Stopford from Shearman & Sterling LLP.

The New York-based finance team at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP maintains a strong market presence on both the lender and borrower sides of commercial lending. It is well-equipped to handle large leveraged, investment-grade, bridge, LBO, private debt and recapitalization transactions. Practice heads James Florack, Jason Kyrwood and J.W Perry jointly lead the team. Florack is well regarded in the space for his expertise on credit-related transactions, as well as his assistance on large LBO financings. Kyrwood is well versed at representing lenders on significant investment-grade acquisition financings. Perry is a key name for transactions on the borrower/sponsor side and regularly handles leveraged acquisition and asset-based financings. Featured in the team is Nicholas Palumbo who has significant experience in structuring and negotiating direct lending and private credit transactions. Meyer Dworkin and Vanessa Jackson works with financial institutions and borrowers on a range of transactions. May 2023 saw the arrival of David Penna from Latham & Watkins LLP .

 

Clients highlight Debevoise & Plimpton LLP‘s finance team as a ‘top-market private equity finance practice’. Maintaining its stronghold in the borrower space, the team regularly handles syndicated bank loans, high-yield debt offerings, second lien financings and mezzanine capital investments. The New York-based team is led by practice head Jeffrey Ross who is adept at advising on major acquisition and leveraged financings, including Discovery’s acquisition of WarnerMedia. The team is ably supported by ‘stand-out partners‘ Ryan Rafferty and Scott Selinger who are both experienced in syndicated bank loan and high-yield bond transactions. Ramya Tiller is also highlighted as a key member of the practice, handling a broad range of acquisition transactions, including fund finance and alternative capital transactions.

The global finance practice at Dechert LLP is commended for its ‘especially deep knowledge of fund finance and asset management firm financing’. The team advise on both the lender and borrower side, advising lenders, borrowers, issuers, equity investors, sponsors, financial advisors and agents. Areas of strength include alternative financing, acquisition finance and direct lending. At practice head level, the team is jointly led by Jay Alicandri, Scott Zimmerman and Laura Swihart from the New York office, alongside John Timpero from the Charlotte office. Angelina Liang also features as a strong member of the team.

Positioned on the lender and borrower side, the Atlanta-based practice at Eversheds Sutherland is well-equipped to handle matters related to acquisition finance, bank lending, asset finance, insurance finance, project finance and structured finance. Specific sectors of expertise include, financial services, transportation, telecomms, energy, infrastructure, agribusiness and real estate. Peter Fozzard has significant experience representing electric generation and transmission cooperatives, renewable energy developers and corporate borrowers.  Fozzard jointly leads the practice alongside Christina Rissler whose sought after expertise includes matters related to interest rates that are transitioning, such as CDOR and BSBY. The team is ably supported by Shawn Rafferty who is highlighted for his expertise in equipment financing, as well as aviation finance.

With a stronghold in the borrower side, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP’s leveraged finance practice is a popular choice among private equity firms, investment firms and corporate borrowers. Its work includes a range of debt financing matters, including syndicated and private credit financings, as well as recapitalizations and incremental debt raises. The New York-based team has significant experience handling debt financings and borrower-side acquisition financings. The practice is jointly led by Allison Liff who bolsters the team’s sponsor-side capabilities in leveraged finance; Kyle Lakin who focuses his practice on corporate financing, leveraged financing and restructuring transactions.

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP‘s New York-based lender-side practice is well regarded for its work with investment vehicles and lenders in fund-level financings and manager loans, as well as arranging leveraged and investment-grade transactions on behalf of commercial and investment banks. On the borrower side, the team is praised as ‘well versed in the borrower side of syndicated debt.’ J Christian Nahr heads up the practice, which benefits from his expertise handling syndicated facilities, private credit transactions and recurring revenue lending in a technology-focused context. Capital markets expert Daniel Bursky features in the team, focusing his practice on securities and leveraged finance practices. Mark Hayek provides a focus on high-yield debt and leveraged loans, while Adam Summers is an expert at handling credit and capital markets transactions.

 

 

 

 

Recognized for its private equity and borrower-side expertise, the global finance team at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP regularly handles sponsor-backed leveraged acquisition financings, investment grade facilities and fund financings. Restructuring related finance remains an area of strength for the team and sees the team regularly representing first lien lender groups. At the head of the practice are New York-based Doug Horowitz and Aaron Adams, with Linda Curtis based in the Los Angeles office. Horowitz is a key name for traditional syndicated and private credit acquisition financings, while Adams is well versed at handling senior credit facilities, note offerings, asset-based financings, as well as mezzanine financings. New addition Chad Nichols joined the Houston team in March 2023 from Akin, providing particular expertise in the energy industry.

 

The debt finance team at Goodwin is widely recognized for its experience representing borrowers in middle market private equity-backed loans and middle market institutional loans. Areas of expertise include matters related to the healthcare, life sciences and technology sectors. Fund finance is also included as one of the team’s key areas of work. Specializing in acquisition finance, syndicated credit facilities and junior capital, Jennifer Bralower leads the practice from the New York office. Also in the New York office, Nick Caro is highlighted his experience handling a range of credit facilities, including asset-based revolving credit facilities and senior secured credit facilities. In California, Kristopher Ring works on a range of private borrower side debt transactions.

 

Underpinned by a global reach, the commercial lending team at Jones Day is a popular choice for its ability handle cross-border financial transactions. The team’s remit also covers litigation and investigations for financial institutions, as well as a strong restructuring and reorganization offering. Based in the New York office, Brett Barragate jointly leads the practice alongside Rachel Rawson from the Boston office. Barragate’s practice encompasses debt facilities and the purchase and sale of financial assets, while Rawson is highly skilled at handling leveraged buyouts for private equity funds. In the Cleveland office, Kevin Samuels is highlighted for his expertise in leveraged finance transactions, asset-based financings and acquisition-related facilities in a cross-border context.

 

With a strong focus on private credit, the team at Katten is a popular choice among clients in the entertainment, healthcare, insurance, retail, sports and technology sectors. It is well equipped to handle a range of transactions involving cash flow and asset-based financings, as well as mezzanine and unitranche financings. The Chicago-based practice is led by Michael Jacobson, whose expertise lies in financings involving companies in the healthcare, technology, sports and entertainment sectors. Jennifer Wolfe supports the team, regularly handling acquisitions, leveraged buyouts and recapitalization transactions. Forming part of the Los Angeles office, Glen Lim and Jan Harris Cate represent lenders in range of commercial finance transactions. Erinn Sheppard left the firm in August 2023.

King & Spalding LLP handles both private credit lending, along with traditional bank lending, as well as borrower-side financing. At practice head level, the team is jointly led by New York-based Todd Holleman who is the name for private credit lending and special situation investing; Amy Peters who is experienced at handling credit facilities related to leveraged acquisitions, recapitalizations and loan workouts from the Chicago office; Carolyn Alford who forms part of the Atlanta offering, regularly handling large term loans and revolving facilities; and Jennifer Daly in New York acts a lead counsel for private credit lenders, especially in the context of rescue financing and distressed lending.

 

With a strong footing in the borrower side, the practice at Kirkland & Ellis LLP has significant experience handling leveraged buyouts, restructurings and stand-alone financings. The group is also equipped to handle debtor-in-possession financings, exit financings and debt restructurings, as well as infrastructure, energy and project finance transactions. The practice is a popular choice among private equity funds and their portfolio companies in syndicated finance transactions. The team’s wide bench of key figures includes New York-based Melissa Hutson whose practice focuses on syndicated debt facilities and debt commitments and highly regarded Jay Ptashek. Forming part of the Chicago offering, Michelle Kilkenney represents private equity groups and commercial lending institutions in a range of debt financing transactions and Maureen Dixon whose expertise lies in leveraged buyouts, take-private transactions and asset-based financings.

Banking powerhouse Latham & Watkins LLP is commended by clients on both the lender and borrower sides, with one noting that its ‘legal knowledge is robust and informed by significant experience in the space.’ On the lending side, it represents the large traditional banks on leveraged and acquisition financings, as well as direct lenders, in the form of non-bank financial institutions and debt funds. Its deep expertise fully equips the team to handle large unitranche financings in the billion-dollar range. Other areas of expertise include its work with sponsors and their portfolio companies on liability management financing transactions. On the borrower side, the team works with major corporation on a range of borrower-side financings. At practice head level, the New York office includes Daniel Seale who is skilled at handling acquisition financings and is highly regarded in the direct lending market; Alfred Xue who is a key name for traditional bank lenders and direct lenders on cross-border financings and Joshua Tinkelman who is highlighted for his work handling leveraged buyouts. Also forming part of practice head offering is Jason R. Bosworth in Los Angeles and Jason M. Licht in Washington DC. The team is ably supported by Michèle Penzer in New York who handles acquisition and project financings, along with Corey Wright and Lisa Collier who are also New York-based. Manu Gayatrinath  is also highlighted as a notable member of the team. Jennifer Ezring joined the New York office from Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP in October 2023.

Mayer Brown‘s ‘unmatched‘ practice handles investment-grade and leveraged lending transactions, as well as several fund finance facilities and debt restructurings. Practice heads Matt O’Meara and Kiel Bowen co-head the practice from the Chicago and Charlotte offices, respectively. Notable names from the Chicago office include Christopher Chubb, who has significant experience handling matters relating to specialty lending fields, such as ESOP, gaming, healthcare and franchise lending and Fred Fisher who regularly works with private equity finds and corporates on debt facilities and leveraged acquisition financings. Forming part of the New York offering, Adam Paul is a key name for corporate lending, while Scott Zemser  has significant experience in leveraged finance.

 

Maintaining a strong footing on the lender side, McDermott Will & Emery LLP‘s banking and finance practice offers expertise in leveraged finance, alternative lenders, high-yield financings and restructurings. The team is a popular choice among healthcare providers and investors in the healthcare sector. Jointly leading the practice is respected transactional advisor, Michael Boykins who routinely handles insurance industry financings and venture capital transactions; Stephanie McCann whose broad practice encompasses acquisition financings, recapitalizations and loan workouts; and Los Angeles-based Gary Rosenbaum who is a key name for matters relating to the healthcare, life sciences, technology, TMT and manufacturing sectors. All lawyers mentioned are based in Chicago, unless stated otherwise.

 

 

 

McGuireWoods LLP‘s debt finance team includes leading banks such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo in its client roster, regularly handling investment grade, leveraged, middle market and troubled credit profiles. The practice is also highlights for its ‘unparalleled knowledge of the sports finance sector for bank lenders‘, as well as for its experience handling ABLs and matters related to the healthcare finance industry. Practice head Kevin McGinnis is a key name in the Charlotte office for his extensive experience handling credit facilities in the context of professional sports franchises. The team is ably supported by Don Ensing in the Chicago office whose expertise lies in the healthcare and energy sectors. June 2023 saw the departure of Hamid Namazie.

Milbank‘s global leveraged finance group demonstrates its versatility through its ability to handle syndicated and direct lending options, loan and bond, preferred equity and other capital structures. With a strong lender-side practice, the team is well equipped to handle LBO financings, refinancings, dividend recapitalizations and repricing for credit facilities. The New York-based team is led by Marcus Dougherty  who draws on significant experience representing banks, direct lenders and leading financial institutions in acquisition financings. Lauren Hanrahan is highlighted as a key member of the team and has ample experience handling complex lending transactions such as, recapitalizations, mezzanine financings, exit facilities and special situation financings. Charles Stern is a further name to note and is well versed at representing investment banks, such as Goldman Sachs, Barclays, HSBC and MUFG. Meir Hornung and Christopher Kwan were promoted to partnership as of January 2023.

 

With strengths in the lending space, the financial services practice at Moore & Van Allen, PLLC is well regarded for its assistance to clients with syndicated lending transactions, as well as leveraged syndicated lending transactions. The team has experience handling a vast range of transactional structures for several large financial institutions, as well as club and bilateral loan facilities for private credit funds and other non-bank lenders. The Charlotte-based practice is jointly led by Wayne McKinzie and Tripp Monroe who are both highly regarded in the lending space. Meredith Reedy is also a key member of the team with strengths in acquisition financing and real estate financing, alongside Andrew Price who is a key name for his work representing banks and other financial institutions. An additional notable mention is Ryan Smith, who is active in non-bank lending.

 

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP advises financial institutions, lenders, private equity sponsors and corporate borrowers. The team regularly handles syndicated lending, investment-grade financings, leveraged financings and asset-based lending. Jonathan Bernstein leads the team from the Boston office, with the assistance of sports financing and restructuring expert Matthew Furlong and Marjorie Crider, who is a key contact for ABL’s in the context of the retail industry. In the Hartford office, Daniel Papermaster handles syndicated bank financings for hedge funds, while Steven Miller handles a range of leveraged acquisitions from the Orange County office. Andrew Budreika is a notable mention from the Philadelphia office and is regularly tasked with handling private equity transactions, leveraged recapitalizations, management rollovers and equity restructurings and reorganizations.

 

Despite being positioned on both the lender and borrower side, Morrison Foerster‘s ‘borrower side team is well steeped in debt finance transactions and can assist many different types of borrowers through complicated and significant deals.‘ The team has ample experience working on secured credit facilities, asset-based lending and leveraged lending transactions, especially in the context of the technology, private equity, professional services, manufacturing and life sciences sectors. Dario Avram leads the global finance team from the San Francisco office, regularly representing private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies in leveraged buyouts, refinancings and restructurings. Forming part of the New York offering, Geoffrey Peck is highly regarded for his work handling domestic and cross-border financing matters.

The global finance team at Paul Hastings LLP has a highly regarded lender-side practice, housing leading investment banks and private credit funds in its client roster. Its expertise encompasses syndicated institutional term loans, direct lending and asset-based transactions to debt capital markets, including high-yield and investment grade offerings. John Cobb and Jennifer Yount jointly lead the practice from the New York office. Cobb focuses his practice on leveraged loan and capital market transactions, while Yount is a key name for multi-tranche and multi-lien transactions, as well as the structuring of cross-border transactions.  Morgan Bale is a key support to the team, specializing in investment-grade finance transactions. Paris Theofanidis focuses on finance, derivatives and structured products from the Houston office. May 2023 saw the addition of Joshua Zelig, Marc Lashbrook and David Barash to the firm from Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP. All lawyers are in New York unless otherwise mentioned.

 

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP maintains a strong footing in the borrower-side, regularly advising clients on leveraged finance transactions, public company financings, special situations, debt financings and asset securitizations. It also has ample experience handling complex refinancing transactions across of a range of distressed industries for private clients and their portfolio companies. Gregory Ezring chairs the New York-based practice, representing alternative asset managers in investments in leveraged debt instruments. Ezring co-leads the practice alongside Thomas de la Bastide, who specializes in leveraged buyouts and alternative lending transactions for hedge funds and Brian Kim ,who represents the likes of Apollo in leveraged buyouts. Eric Wedel is another key member of the team, with significant experience representing private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies in acquisition financings.

 

 

With a firm foothold in the private credit sector, Proskauer Rose LLP boasts an impressive roster of lender clients, including The Carlyle Group, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. The team fields expertise in a range of credit financings, including senior-stretch, unitranche, second-lien and secured mezzanine loans. Justin Breen is a prominent figure in the private credit lending space and leads the firm’s global finance group. Gary Creem heads the firm’s private credit practice from Boston, alongside Michael Mezzacappa, who plays a lead role in financing and credit arrangement deals. Stephen Boyko focuses his practice on finance transactions, including leveraged buyouts and acquisition financings. Marc Freiss advises a diverse list of hedge funds, private equity funds, commercial finance companies and investment banks. In Los Angeles, Sandra Lee Montgomery represents first- and second-lien senior lenders, mezzanine investors and equity sponsors in financing and restructuring transactions. Former firm chair Steven Ellis is an experienced figure, based between New York and Boston. All attorneys mentioned are based in New York, unless stated otherwise.

Ropes & Gray LLP‘s practice spans the gamut of lender- and borrower-side commercial lending matters, with particular expertise in assisting private equity borrowers seeking to undertake leveraged buyouts and obtain asset-based loans. The borrower-side arm of the practice is spearheaded by New York’s Stefanie Birkmann, a specialist in syndicated finance structures, and Boston-based Michael Lee, who assists borrowers in arranging facilities ranging from mezzanine to bridge finance facilities. Also in Boston, Byung Choi is an expert in debt and asset financings, advising a number of private equity houses in this regard. On the lender side, the practice assists credit providers with the initial structuring of finance facilities, including hybrid debt and equity loans, and is noted for advising private credit providers. Taking the lead on lender-side matters are Jeffrey Katz, who splits their time between Boston and New York and advises on special situations investments, and Leonard Klingbaum, based in New York and adding expertise in the restructuring of credit facilities.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is a first port of call for a number of global banks and private equity houses, advising the former on the structuring of high value syndicated loans and the latter on both private credit arrangements and syndicated acquisition finance deals. The firm augmented its alternative capital and private credit practice with the arrivals in June 2023 of Latham & Watkins LLP‘s David Teh, assisting with leveraged finance acquisitions and capital raisings. For borrowers, the team provides support with the securing of a variety of financing structures, predominantly syndicated acquisition facilities and leveraged buyouts. Patrick Ryan specializes in putting together acquisition and bridge credit facilities on behalf of individual banks and syndicates. William Sheehan is noted for his advice to banks on deals ranging from acquisition to bridge financing, and added further firepower in this regard with the July 2023 arrival of Jennifer Albrecht from an in-house role at a bank, who also advises on recapitalization and restructuring matters. All lawyers named are based in New York.

Drawing on the firm’s global network, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP’s international borrower clientele spans investment-grade, crossover and distressed issuers, public and private companies, and private equity clients. The team advises on all types of financing transactions, on both a national and international scale, including leveraged and investment-grade acquisition, bridge and hybrid financings. Based in Chicago, Seth Jacobson heads the firm’s global banking group. Head of the New York banking practice, Steven Messina focuses his practice on syndicated financing transactions, in the US and internationally. Leila Sayegh leads the Los Angeles banking team, advising an impressive list of corporations and private equity funds as borrowers. Janine Jjingo, based in New York, is experienced in both traditional and more complex financings, including restructuring and debtor-in-possession financings. Also in New York, Tracey Chenoweth advises clients across a range of industries, including the financial services, retail and manufacturing sectors. Danielle Li’s New York-based practice spans bridge, margin, and asset-based loans. In Chicago, David Wagener represents clients in cross-border secured financing structures. David Passes advises on leveraged buyouts, corporate recapitalizations and first and second-lien financings from New York.

With the addition of several new partners in 2023, Troutman Pepper continues to demonstrate consistent growth in the borrower space. Todd Ransom joined the Charlotte practice from Moore & Van Allen, PLLC, strengthening the firm’s asset-based lending practice, and Jeremy Rosenblum and Mark Furletti joined the Philadelphia team from Ballard Spahr LLP. Hazen Dempster, based in Georgia, advises both borrowers and issuers on corporate financings, from asset-based loans to mezzanine, debtor-in-possession and revolving loans. In Charlotte, Keith Mrochek focuses on syndicated and non-syndicated finance transactions, while Justin Wood represents a diverse list of public and private companies, including emerging companies, in acquisitions and other cross-border financings.

Under the leadership of Dallas-based Erec Winandy and Houston’s Brian Moss, Vinson & Elkins LLP‘s ‘top notch legal talent’ focuses heavily on financing transactions in the energy sector, advising, individual and syndicates of banks as lenders and energy companies as borrowers on the structuring of secured loans or revolving credit facilities. The practice also advises energy sector clients on a range of acquisition finance structures, including leveraged buyout and mezzanine financing deals. Also in Houston, James Longhofer is sought after by predominantly energy industry clients seeking assistance with obtaining mezzanine financing and syndicated credit structures. In New York, Brett Santoli and Tzvi Werzberger advise a range of sectors, including energy, mining and transport clients on project finance loans and asset-based credit structures. Dallas’ Christopher Dewar is another name to note for reserve and asset-based lending.

Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz’s pre-eminence in borrower-side financing transactions sees it advise an impressive roster of corporate clients across the full range of industries, including investment-grade, high-yield and distressed borrowers. Working in tandem with the firm’s M&A and restructuring practices, the New York-based financing team advises on acquisition and working capital financings, distressed M&A and restructurings across the investment grade and leveraged markets. The team remains at the forefront of the market, also advising on transactions within the liability management space. Gregory Pessin is a prominent figure in the debt and financing space, and heads the practice. With a clientele of borrowers, creditors and distressed investors, Michael Benn advises on financings for M&A, spin-offs and other deals. John Sobolewski’s broad finance and restructuring practice covers syndicated and direct loans, management company financings and liability management. Focusing particularly on complex corporate transactions, Emily Johnson advises on M&A, divestiture and spin-off financings. Stephanie Marshak and Rod Ghods are other names to note.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP combines strong lender and borrower-side lending practices, notably advising banks and private equity investors on asset-based loans and leveraged buyout structures, including multi-currency lending. Heading the firm’s global finance practice is Daniel Dokos, whose specialisms include cross-border financing arrangements, usually tied to acquisitions, advising both lenders and borrowers on such transactions and also assisting with recapitalization loans. He is ably supported by co-heads Andrew Colao, who represents private equity in leveraged finance deals, and Dallas’ Courtney Marcus, who advises a broad spectrum of industries in seeking to arrange mezzanine financing, bridge loans and loan restructurings. Heather Viets is recommended for a range of financing types, including bridge loans and first and second lien credit facilities, while Justin Lee focuses on structuring cross-border financings. All lawyers named are based in New York unless otherwise specified.

The ‘powerhouse lending, banking and leveraged finance team’ at White & Case LLP advises a client roster consisting of banks and private equity houses on the structuring of acquisition finance loans, including take-private deals, while also representing private equity clients as borrowers seeking a range of financing types, including mezzanine financing. Eliza McDougall was named head of the firm’s global debt financing group in September 2023, and continues to advise a range of banks and private lenders, in addition to corporate borrowers on arranging both leveraged and investment-grade credit facilities, while Justin Wagstaff heads both the Americas debt finance and global borrowers finance arms of the practice, assisting private equity sponsors and corporates on cross-border financing deals. Eric Leicht advises a number of lead arrangers on the setting up of leveraged and bridge finance transactions, and is also sought after for advice on restructuring matters, while Binoy Dharia handles a range of cross-border financing transactions, including acquisition and asset-based financing. All lawyers mentioned are based in New York.

Leveraged buyouts and dividend recapitalizations are key areas of expertise for Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP and the team is prominent on the borrower side of high value acquisition financings. Viktor Okasmaa and Andres Mena co-lead the practice from New York; Okasmaa advises an impressive roster of public and private companies on acquisition financings and leveraged buyouts, and Mena focuses his practice on debt financing transactions, particularly private equity matters. Also in New York, Joshua Deason advises on secured and unsecured financings, such as bridge, mezzanine, mutual fund and subscription financings, while Jason Pearl handles loan and capital markets transactions, including first- and second-lien financings and ABL facilities. In Chicago, Jacob Schtevie excels in the negotiation and documentation of credit facility structures. An expert in debt financing, Andrew Thomison advises on working capital credit facilities, asset-based financings, and high-yield debt offerings from Houston. Timothy Landwehr is also highlighted as a standout member of the team.

With a strong background in both debt and fund finance, Winston & Strawn LLP counts credit funds, institutional investors and equity sponsors among its lender clients. The team advises on senior, subordinated, secured and unsecured loans, as well as syndicated credit facilities, including cross-border and multicurrency transactions. The firm also boasts a dedicated CLO practice. David Baroni, based in Chicago, co-heads the leveraged finance practice and specializes in asset-based and cash-flow secured lending transactions. Also in Chicago, Nolan Bolduc advises a diverse clientele of financial institutions, asset managers, private equity sponsors and corporate issuers. Kader Crawford, based in Charlotte, is adept at handling bi-lateral acquisition financings to broadly syndicated credit facilities. Christina Wheaton in Chicago and Shreyansi Agarwal in New York are key members of the team.