Department profile
Latham & Watkins LLP

Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide


Latham & Watkins LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel - USA - Nationwide

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For
Latham & Watkins LLP houses a deep bench of highly regarded practitioners, offering coast-to-coast expertise on the full range of capital markets matters. The attorneys are regularly sought by managers for counsel on a variety of equity transactions and possesses significant experience advising issuers from a variety of industries. With a comprehensive debt practice, Latham offers expertise in convertible debt and has a particular skill in handling high-yield offerings.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Latham & Watkins represented Bank of America as an initial purchaser in Sabre Corporation’s offering of $1.33 billion upsized aggregate principal amount of 11.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2030.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • There has never been a situation where the team hasn't provided us an excellent service.

    Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • The firms has a superb feel for the market and does an exceptional job in handling difficult multi-party negotiations.

    Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Latham & Watkins is knowledgeable and practical on what is possible under the current market conditions.

    Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Latham & Watkins is the best in the business. The team is hard-working and highly intelligent across the board.

    Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • The Latham & Watkins team is distinguished by a unique combination of highly creative problem-solving and an unwavering commitment to delivering the best service in the industry.

    Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeopleJ Michael Chambers
    Senior StatespeopleJ Michael Chambers

    J Michael Chambers

    Michael Chambers is widely respected for his capital markets practice, offering market-leading expertise in high-yield and investment grade debt issuances.

  • Star IndividualsMarc D Jaffe
    Star IndividualsMarc D Jaffe

    Marc D Jaffe

    Marc Jaffe is the managing partner of Latham & Watkins’ New York office. He stands out for his talent in handling debt transactions on behalf of issuers and underwriters and he is also particularly adept at representing global clients in major IPOs.

    • Marc is outstanding at everything he does.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • He has an incredibly vast knowledge base.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 1David Miller
    Band 1David Miller

    David Miller

    David Miller advises on a broad range of capital markets transactions ranging from IPOs to high-yield debt offerings.

    • David is is super responsive and does an excellent job.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • David is my first call on any transaction where I have the ability to assign counsel.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • I love David's commercial acumen, his mindset and how he approaches deals.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 1Ian Schuman
    Band 1Ian Schuman

    Ian Schuman

    Ian Schuman is the global chair of Latham & Watkins' capital markets practice. He acts for issuers and underwriters in a wide range of transactions, with notable experience in debt matters, including high-yield debt offerings. He also maintains a busy equity practice and he is regularly chosen to counsel clients on IPOs.

    • He has an instinctive grasp of complex situations and consistently provides pragmatic and solution-oriented advice.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • He has outstanding capital markets knowledge and experience.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Ian is outstanding at everything he does.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • His connectivity around the world with issuers and financial sponsors is unbelievable.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 1Richard A Kline
    Band 1Richard A Kline

    Richard A Kline

    Richard Kline is the chair of Latham’s technology industry group and Bay Area corporate department. His capital markets practice covers both issuer and underwriter-side transactions, displaying particular strengths in handling IPOs by technology companies.

  • Band 1Ryan Maierson
    Band 1Ryan Maierson

    Ryan Maierson

    Ryan Maierson's broad capital markets practice runs the full gamut of debt and equity securities offerings. He often represents issuers, underwriters and private equity sponsors in transactions in the oil and gas industry.

    • Ryan is one of the top practitioners in Houston.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 1Stelios Saffos
    Band 1Stelios Saffos

    Stelios Saffos

    Stelios Saffos has established his market standing as a force in the New York capital markets space, displaying strengths in IPOs and high-yield debt, as part of a wide transactional skill set. He serves as global chair of the firm's capital markets and public company representation practices, and global chair of its hybrid capital practice.

    • He is exceptionally commercial and understands my business and what matters to me.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • He is exceptionally sharp, deeply knowledgeable and has an innate ability to navigate challenging situations.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • He is consistently my first call when approaching complex situations, bringing not only technical expertise but also sound commercial judgment that ensures the best results for his clients.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Stelios is sharp and fights to protect his clients.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • He is incredibly well connected, which brings unique perspectives and an ability to get things done.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 1Tad Freese
    Band 1Tad Freese

    Tad Freese

    Tad Freese is especially active in the technology market, advising banks and companies on their debt and equity transactions.

    • He is a powerhouse.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 2Cathy Birkeland
    Band 2Cathy Birkeland

    Cathy Birkeland

    Cathy Birkeland draws extensive praise for her capital markets work. She is noted for leading clients through stock and debt issuances, with particular experience representing real estate investment trusts.

    • Cathy Birkeland is terrific, one of the best out there. She is very savvy at managing relationships and her organization and attention to detail is top-notch.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Cathy is incredibly responsive and provides strategic advice which allows the company to achieve its goals. She finds solutions for our needs and offers suggestions for items we may not be considering.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Cathy is, simply put, the best. She has an incredible knowledge of the market and an unmatched ability to think through and deliver advice on complex and nuanced issues.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 2Greg Rodgers
    Band 2Greg Rodgers

    Greg Rodgers

    Greg Rodgers displays strengths across a broad range of debt and equity offerings, gaining market attention for his specialist knowledge of direct listings and convertible debt.
    • He is incredibly bright and really thinks through things, which helps clients understand and make informed decisions.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • He is a master of his craft and has a deep understanding of sophisticated products that allows him to add real value.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 2Mollie Duckworth
    Band 2Mollie Duckworth

    Mollie Duckworth

    Mollie Duckworth is the local chair of the firm's Austin corporate department and is a popular choice for clients in the energy industry seeking guidance on a range of debt and equity offerings, including IPOs and follow-on offerings.

    • Mollie is very level-headed, commercial, confident and provides great advice and outcomes.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 2Roderick Branch
    Band 2Roderick Branch

    Roderick Branch

    Roderick Branch is managing partner of the Chicago office. He has particular experience guiding international clients through capital markets transactions including note and stock issuances.

    • Roderick provides exceptional service, an awareness of market trends and conditions, and is a responsible and reliable counsel.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Roderick is sharp, collaborative and always willing to jump in and help us navigate new issues.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • He is a preeminent expert in capital markets and securities law. He masterfully navigates complex transactions with a rare talent for cutting through the noise to distinguish between what's a business demand and what's a legal necessity.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 2Shayne Kennedy
    Band 2Shayne Kennedy

    Shayne Kennedy

    Shayne Kennedy impresses clients with his ability to handle complex debt and equity securities offerings. He is particularly experienced at advising on IPOs in the life sciences and technology industries.

  • Band 2Steven B Stokdyk
    Band 2Steven B Stokdyk

    Steven B Stokdyk

    Steven Stokdyk is a distinguished figure in the California legal market. He focuses his practice on the representation of issuers and underwriters in transactional securities matters, such as IPOs and debt offerings.

  • Band 3Cheston Larson
    Band 3Cheston Larson

    Cheston Larson

    Cheston Larson maintains a robust practice which sees him advising issuing companies, and their underwriters, on diverse capital markets transactions. He is notably adept at providing counsel to organizations in the pharmaceutical sector.

  • Band 3Christopher D Lueking
    Band 3Christopher D Lueking

    Christopher D Lueking

    Christopher Lueking is highly regarded for his work representing banks as the underwriter in capital markets transactions.

    • Chris is able to advise on the most challenging and complex matters.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Chris is exceptional at what he does and was an incredible asset. He delivers advice in a way that makes you feel confident and empowered as the client.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 3Erika Weinberg
    Band 3Erika Weinberg

    Erika Weinberg

    Erika Weinberg is a respected capital markets attorney with a comprehensive securities practice.
    • Erika is incredibly detail-oriented and really advocates for us in difficult negotiations.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 3John Greer
    Band 3John Greer

    John Greer

    John Greer has experience in debt and equity transactions across a range of industries, with a particular strength in the energy sector.

    • John is very responsive and thoughtful in coming up with solutions.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 3Jonathan Sarna
    Band 3Jonathan Sarna

    Jonathan Sarna

    Jonathan Sarna assists clients across the full range of debt and equity work with expertise handling both the underwriter and issuer sides of transactions.

    • Jonathan was exceptional in all aspects of supporting us during an extremely challenging transaction process. He demonstrated leadership, poise and a high level of technical aptitude.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Jon stands out for his ability to combine deep technical expertise with a pragmatic, business-oriented approach.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Jonathan is our go-to partner on complex matters. He is incredibly responsive, knowledgeable and willing to maneuver delicate matters.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Jonathan is always available and always ready to roll up his sleeves.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Jonathan was outstanding. He is able to explain complex matters in a clear and concise manner while providing his views on the best practice.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 3Michael Benjamin
    Band 3Michael Benjamin

    Michael Benjamin

    Michael Benjamin has a great reputation for his work on capital markets transactions, representing companies and investment banks in varied debt and equity offerings.
    • Michael is an extremely impactful and commercial lawyer who blends legal advice and practical solutions in an elegant way.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 3Nathan Ajiashvili
    Band 3Nathan Ajiashvili

    Nathan Ajiashvili

    Nathan Ajiashvili comes particularly recommended for debt and equity transactions in the biotech and healthcare sectors.
    • Nathan is very commercial and a great partner.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 3Sarah Axtell
    Band 3Sarah Axtell

    Sarah Axtell

    Sarah Axtell handles the full range of capital markets transactions, with clients including companies in the technology market and major investment banks.

  • Band 3Scott Westhoff
    Band 3Scott Westhoff

    Scott Westhoff

    Scott Westhoff is experienced handling at-the-market offerings, share and note offerings for clients with expertise on both the underwriter and issuer sides.

    • Scott is fantastic. He is extremely easy to work with but also solution-oriented.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Scott consistently provides timely and expert guidance on a wide range of matters involving capital markets.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Scott is exceptional at his job both in his responsiveness, expertise and business knowledge.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Scott is as good a person to work with from an outside counsel perspective as you could ask for. He is extremely knowledgeable and provides practical solutions.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 4Bill Nelson
    Band 4Bill Nelson

    Bill Nelson

    Bill Nelson adeptly supports a variety of clients, particularly SPACs and major investment banks.

    • Bill is a stellar partner. He is sophisticated and highly attuned to our business needs.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 4Lewis Kneib
    Band 4Lewis Kneib

    Lewis Kneib

    As global co-chair of the firm's REIT industry group, Lewis Kneib has considerable strength in the capital markets space. He is adept at handling transactions in the hospitality and real estate sectors.

  • Band 4Nick Dhesi
    Band 4Nick Dhesi

    Nick Dhesi

    Nick Dhesi is the managing partner of the firms Houston office. He has extensive experience advising clients on a range of capital markets transactions including IPOs, high-yield debt offerings and preferred financings.

  • Band 4Senet S. Bischoff
    Band 4Senet S. Bischoff

    Senet S. Bischoff

    Senet Bischoff has a broad capital markets practice, acting for issuers, underwriters and private equity sponsors on diverse securities transactions.
    • Senet is one of my top capital markets calls, especially for complex matters.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Senet provides concise and easy-to-understand guidance, no matter how complex the situation may be.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 5Alison Haggerty
    Band 5Alison Haggerty

    Alison Haggerty

    Alison Haggerty is known for her work in equity capital markets, regularly advising issuers and underwriters on IPOs.

    • Alison demonstrates consistently excellent judgment, is impeccably efficient and is able to drill down to the most critical issues immediately.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 5Benjamin J Cohen
    Band 5Benjamin J Cohen

    Benjamin J Cohen

    Benjamin Cohen advises on both debt and equity transactions, including complex IPOs and direct listings.
    • Benjamin has subject matter expertise and can communicate complex matters in easy-to-understand ways.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Benjamin is super knowledgeable, responsive, practical and really great to work with.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 5Patrick Shannon
    Band 5Patrick Shannon

    Patrick Shannon

    Patrick Shannon leads a variety of capital market transactions for a strong portfolio of private and public clients from Latham's Washington, DC office. His experience includes advising clients on IPOs and equity and debt offerings.
  • Band 5Peter N Handrinos
    Band 5Peter N Handrinos

    Peter N Handrinos

    Peter Handrinos draws widespread praise for his extensive experience advising on IPOs and other high value capital markets transactions. He counts global financial institutions and pharmaceutical companies among his clients.

    • Peter is very strategic, pragmatic and a problem-solver.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Latham & Watkins LLP (31)

USA - Nationwide

  • Profile image of J Michael Chambers

    J Michael Chambers

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Central United States

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  • Profile image of David Miller

    David Miller

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Central United States

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  • Profile image of Ryan Maierson

    Ryan Maierson

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Central United States

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  • Profile image of Cathy Birkeland

    Cathy Birkeland

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Central United States

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  • Profile image of Mollie Duckworth

    Mollie Duckworth

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Central United States

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  • Profile image of Roderick Branch

    Roderick Branch

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Central United States

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  • Profile image of Christopher D Lueking

    Christopher D Lueking

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Central United States

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  • Profile image of John Greer

    John Greer

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Central United States

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  • Profile image of Jonathan Sarna

    Jonathan Sarna

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Central United States

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  • Profile image of Scott Westhoff

    Scott Westhoff

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Central United States

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  • Profile image of Bill Nelson

    Bill Nelson

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Central United States

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  • Profile image of Nick Dhesi

    Nick Dhesi

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Central United States

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  • Profile image of Marc D Jaffe

    Marc D Jaffe

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Eastern United States

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  • Profile image of Ian Schuman

    Ian Schuman

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Eastern United States

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  • Profile image of Stelios Saffos

    Stelios Saffos

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Eastern United States

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  • Profile image of Greg Rodgers

    Greg Rodgers

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Eastern United States

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  • Profile image of Erika Weinberg

    Erika Weinberg

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Eastern United States

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  • Profile image of Michael Benjamin

    Michael Benjamin

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Eastern United States

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  • Profile image of Nathan Ajiashvili

    Nathan Ajiashvili

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Eastern United States

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  • Profile image of Senet S. Bischoff

    Senet S. Bischoff

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Eastern United States

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  • Profile image of Alison Haggerty

    Alison Haggerty

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Eastern United States

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  • Profile image of Benjamin J Cohen

    Benjamin J Cohen

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Eastern United States

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  • Profile image of Patrick Shannon

    Patrick Shannon

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Eastern United States

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  • Profile image of Peter N Handrinos

    Peter N Handrinos

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Eastern United States

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  • Profile image of Richard A Kline

    Richard A Kline

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Western United States

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