
Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel
USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide
Rankings

Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
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 respondentUSAThe 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 respondentUSALatham & Watkins is knowledgeable and practical on what is possible under the current market conditions.
Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSALatham & 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 respondentUSAThe 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 Statespeople 
Senior Statespeople 
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 Individuals 
Star Individuals 
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 respondentUSAHe has an incredibly vast knowledge base.
Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
Band 1 
Band 1 
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 respondentUSADavid is my first call on any transaction where I have the ability to assign counsel.
Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSAI love David's commercial acumen, his mindset and how he approaches deals.
Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
Band 1 
Band 1 
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 respondentUSAHe has outstanding capital markets knowledge and experience.
Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSAIan is outstanding at everything he does.
Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSAHis connectivity around the world with issuers and financial sponsors is unbelievable.
Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
Band 1 
Band 1 
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 1 
Band 1 
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 1 
Band 1 
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 respondentUSAHe is exceptionally sharp, deeply knowledgeable and has an innate ability to navigate challenging situations.
Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSAHe 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 respondentUSAStelios is sharp and fights to protect his clients.
Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSAHe is incredibly well connected, which brings unique perspectives and an ability to get things done.
Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
Band 1 
Band 1 
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 2 
Band 2 
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 respondentUSACathy 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 respondentUSACathy 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 2 
Band 2 
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 respondentUSAHe 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 2 
Band 2 
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 2 
Band 2 
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 respondentUSARoderick is sharp, collaborative and always willing to jump in and help us navigate new issues.
Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSAHe 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 2 
Band 2 
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 2 
Band 2 
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 3 
Band 3 
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 3 
Band 3 
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 respondentUSAChris 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 3 
Band 3 
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 3 
Band 3 
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 3 
Band 3 
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 respondentUSAJon stands out for his ability to combine deep technical expertise with a pragmatic, business-oriented approach.
Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSAJonathan 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 respondentUSAJonathan is always available and always ready to roll up his sleeves.
Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSAJonathan 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 3 
Band 3 
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 3 
Band 3 
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 3 
Band 3 
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 3 
Band 3 
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 respondentUSAScott consistently provides timely and expert guidance on a wide range of matters involving capital markets.
Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSAScott is exceptional at his job both in his responsiveness, expertise and business knowledge.
Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSAScott 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 4 
Band 4 
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 4 
Band 4 
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 4 
Band 4 
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 4 
Band 4 
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 respondentUSASenet provides concise and easy-to-understand guidance, no matter how complex the situation may be.
Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
Band 5 
Band 5 
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 5 
Band 5 
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 respondentUSABenjamin is super knowledgeable, responsive, practical and really great to work with.
Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
Band 5 
Band 5 
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 5 
Band 5 
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)
Latham & Watkins LLP has rankings in the following guides
Band 1 USA 2026
Practice area: Capital Markets: Debt & Equity
Location: California
View department profile for USA 2026Band 1 USA 2026
Practice area: Capital Markets: Debt & Equity
Location: Texas
View department profile for USA 2026Band 1 USA 2026
Practice area: Capital Markets: Debt & Equity
Location: Illinois
View department profile for USA 2026
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