Bradley Laken

Brad Laken is a partner in Willkie's Finance Department, based in the Firm's Chicago office. He represents commercial banks, investment banks, direct lenders, alternative credit providers, and other debt investors as lead arranger and agent in a wide array of lending transactions, with a focus on middle market private equity sponsor-backed leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations. In addition, Brad has extensive experience representing borrowers and lenders in private and public issuer margin lending facilities. His clients have included agents, arrangers, lenders, and family offices in financing transactions across a diverse set of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, retail, aerospace, software, franchise concepts, and logistics.

Brad is recognized by Chambers USA among the leading practitioners in the area of Banking & Finance in Illinois. In its 2025 edition, clients reported to Chambers that Brad "has an exceptional ability to explain complexities and guide clients through solutions" and that Brad "is a sharp lawyer with extreme attention to detail." Other clients have reported that Brad "provides an extremely high level of service and is always thinking with our best interests in mind. He is creative and executes with speed."

Brad received a JD, from Georgetown University Law Center and a BA, cum laude from Northwestern University.

Bar Admissions

Illinois

Georgetown University Law Center

J.D.

Northwestern University

B.A. (cum laude)