Department profile
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates

Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide


Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates

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About

Provided by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates

Our Corporate Finance Group advises on the full range of public and private financings and consistently is recognized as one of the top advisers on corporate financings and related transactions. Our experience encompasses the complete spectrum of equity, debt and hybrid instruments issued by U.S. and international companies in global markets. In a capital markets environment characterized by rapid change and innovation, our attorneys structure new securities and transactions for clients that enable them to meet their business goals. We represent a diverse range of public and private companies of all sizes, investment banks, private equity firms, and governments and government entities.

Our work frequently is recognized in respected industry publications and rankings. Skadden was ranked in the top tier by IFLR1000 2017 for capital markets: debt and equity. We also ranked in the top tier for securities/capital markets by U.S. News — Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” 2017. Skadden was named Capital Markets Firm of the Year at the 2016 Who’s Who Legal Awards. Skadden ranked first (by volume) in representing issuers for U.S. high-yield corporate bonds, and first (by number of issues) representing issuers for U.S. equity linked offerings by Bloomberg (January 2016). We were named among Law360’s Capital Markets Groups of the Year for 2016.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

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

Band 3

Band 3


What the Team is Known For

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates is a well-regarded capital markets team, able to bring significant prowess in the full range of debt and equity securities offerings. The firm acts for a broad client list that includes investment banks and private equity firms, as well as public and private companies across a multitude of sectors. The team routinely receives plaudits for its strength in high-yield and investment grade debt offerings. The attorneys offer a depth of expertise in equity transactions, most notably in cross-border matters, where the group is deemed to have a particular niche.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Skadden represented the underwriters in Marsh & McLennan Companies' $7.25 billion SEC-registered senior notes offering.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team demonstrates deep expertise, strategic thinking and seamless collaboration, consistently delivering effective solutions for challenging issues.

    Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • The firm goes beyond merely providing legal advice by striving to understand the unique challenges clients face and delivering tailored solutions.

    Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Skadden is a great partner delivering the highest quality legal advice and services. The team is nimble and reacts immediately to urgent requests with creative solutions and insights.

    Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • The breadth and depth of skill at Skadden, and the consistent quality of the legal advice, sets the firm apart.

    Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Skadden consistently demonstrates the expertise, judgment and experience needed to navigate complex and high stakes matters across multiple jurisdictions.

    Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Gregg A Noel
    Band 1Gregg A Noel

    Gregg A Noel

    As the head of Skadden’s West Coast capital markets practice, Gregg Noel provides market-leading counsel on the thorniest capital markets transactions. His practice sees him representing global issuers and underwriters in traditional IPOs, and he has established himself as one of the foremost experts on SPACs.

    • Gregg is a go-to guy for SPAC practice.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Gregg's knowledge is second to none, but he also brings a business practicality to his work and thinks outside of the box.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 1Ryan Dzierniejko
    Band 1Ryan Dzierniejko

    Ryan Dzierniejko

    Ryan Dzierniejko is the global head of Skadden's capital markets practice. He is highlighted for his command of both the debt and equity markets. His practice includes investment grade and high-yield debt, and he is also able to advise on equity transactions, including supporting clients through IPOs.

    • Ryan always gives thoughtful insights and actionable views on transactions, especially in difficult, complex or novel situations.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Ryan is an excellent adviser of senior executives and boards, addressing both the technical questions and the practical realities of any given situation.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Ryan offers excellent client service, understands business needs and pressures and can navigate highly sophisticated transactions with ease.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • He has product mastery and an excellent client manner. He is pragmatic and keeps the client's objectives and best interests at heart.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Working with Ryan consistently makes complex matters much more manageable. His judgment and approach are real assets for our team.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 2Michelle Gasaway
    Band 2Michelle Gasaway

    Michelle Gasaway

    Michelle Gasaway has a comprehensive debt and equity practice, with notable capabilities in guiding clients through their IPOs, including advising special purpose acquisition companies on going public.

    • Michelle does an amazing job at transactions and security offerings.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Michelle is a solid securities lawyer.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 3Laura Kaufmann
    Band 3Laura Kaufmann

    Laura Kaufmann

    Laura Kaufmann co-heads the firm’s US financial sponsor capital markets practice. She is a skilled capital markets lawyer with expertise representing clients in a range of debt and equity capital markets matters.

    • Laura is an excellent lawyer with a keen understanding of the markets and a good sense of the give and take in complex negotiations.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Laura has a high degree of experience and knowledge about market practices and is able to navigate complexities deftly.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 4Thomas J. Ivey
    Band 4Thomas J. Ivey

    Thomas J. Ivey

    Thomas Ivey is head of Skadden’s Palo Alto M&A/corporate group. He represents a broad client base, including financial advisers, investment banks and companies in the technology industry, on a diverse array of capital markets matters.

    • Thomas is a top notch attorney who is incredibly responsive, knowledgeable and practical.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 5Dwight S. Yoo
    Band 5Dwight S. Yoo

    Dwight S. Yoo

    Dwight Yoo draws praise for his work with insurance sector clients. He has experience handling both debt and equity issuances.

    • Dwight is a clear industry expert.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 5Gregory Fernicola
    Band 5Gregory Fernicola

    Gregory Fernicola

    Clients turn to Gregory Fernicola for his experience across the debt and equity markets. His work spans a mixture of issuer and underwriter-side representation and often sees him advising on IPOs and follow-on equity offerings.
    • Gregory is outstanding.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 5Michael J. Hong
    Band 5Michael J. Hong

    Michael J. Hong

    Michael Hong is a partner with experience handling debt, equity and high-yield debt work for companies and large investment banks.

    • He really knows the market very well and is very commercial.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Michael is my go-to phone call, no matter the question, and he always has an answer.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Michael is a superstar talent. He is able to see around corners and is extremely sophisticated both in his legal and commercial expertise.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Michael is a well-rounded lawyer who is very skilled across everything capital markets.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 5Michael Schwartz
    Band 5Michael Schwartz

    Michael Schwartz

    Michael Schwartz co-heads the firm’s US financial sponsor capital markets practice. He is recognized for his ability in debt and equity capital markets transactions as well as complex refinancing work.

    • Michael has been a great adviser, suggesting creative and innovative ideas to complex transactional matters. He is exceptionally smart and experienced.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Michael is highly intelligent, highly motivated and has a superb focus on delivering what his clients want.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • He is really thoughtful, very easy to work with and very commercial.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA
    • Michael is creative and commercial.

      Capital Markets: Investment Grade Debt: Manager Counsel respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates (9)

USA - Nationwide

  • Profile image of Ryan Dzierniejko

    Ryan Dzierniejko

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Eastern United States

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  • Profile image of Laura Kaufmann

    Laura Kaufmann

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Eastern United States

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  • Profile image of Dwight S. Yoo

    Dwight S. Yoo

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Eastern United States

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  • Profile image of Gregory Fernicola

    Gregory Fernicola

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Eastern United States

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  • Profile image of Michael J. Hong

    Michael J. Hong

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Eastern United States

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  • Profile image of Michael Schwartz

    Michael Schwartz

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Eastern United States

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  • Profile image of Gregg A Noel

    Gregg A Noel

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Western United States

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  • Profile image of Michelle Gasaway

    Michelle Gasaway

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Western United States

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  • Profile image of Thomas J. Ivey

    Thomas J. Ivey

    Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: Western United States

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