Banking & Finance | USA

Kirkland & Ellis is renowned for its representation of borrower-side clients, with a solid reputation for advising lenders on all manner of significant financing and restructuring matters. The firm draws upon the strength of its private equity and capital markets practices to further inform its representation of private equity sponsors, funds and portfolio companies. The team has strong capabilities in both large-cap and lower- or mid-market matters, and is particularly noted for its work in the restructuring of debt financing.

Latham & Watkins has an outstanding practice noted for the quality of its counselling for high-profile banking groups and elite financial service providers in a range of transactional work. The firm fields an enviable roster of top-notch attorneys who demonstrate substantive knowledge about all manner of complex financing matters. The team represents both borrower- and lender-side clients in matters such as asset-based loans, bridge loans, acquisition financing, syndicated loans and cross-border financing. Latham & Watkins calls upon its impressive depth of resources, nationwide and globally, to advise on major cross-border matters.

Sidley Austin has a pre-eminent group in cross-border and multicurrency transactions, with industry-specific areas of strength in real estate, technology and healthcare financing. The firm counts several distinguished investment banks and corporate lenders among its clientele, regularly representing them in secured lending. Areas of expertise include acquisition, second-lien and mezzanine financing.

Goldberg Kohn has a dedicated commercial finance group with significant expertise in capital market transactions. The firm is relied on by numerous lender-side organisations for its strong capabilities in international transactions involving foreign legal issues. The team's sector expertise covers media, technology and software, and it is particularly noted for handling syndicated loans and acquisition financing.

Katten has a well-regarded team experienced in handling a wide array of finance transactions including syndicated credit facilities, LBOs and recapitalisations. The firm advises lenders, issuers and capital providers involved in insurance, sports and healthcare finance matters. Katten works closely with complementary departments to offer a well-rounded service and is regarded as a particularly strong player in the mid-market.

Mayer Brown has a distinguished team utilising resources across its global office network to provide private equity sponsors with significant strength in funds financing and syndicated lending matters. The firm possesses capabilities in financing transactions arising out of the renewable energy and oil and gas industries. Mayer Brown is noted for its strength in complex cross-border and emerging market transactions, and is recommended for advising clients, including investment funds, on real estate financing.

McDermott Will & Emery represents numerous borrower and lender clients in a range of commercial financing matters as well as private equity and venture capital investments. The firm draws upon the strength of its healthcare expertise to assist private equity firms, financial institutions, banks, lenders and other corporate borrowers with healthcare finance and syndicated loan transactions.

McGuireWoods has a solid group with notable experience in a variety of commercial, corporate and asset-based lending transactions for investor, lender, borrower and underwriter clients. The firm is significantly active in healthcare and energy finance matters. McGuireWoods' areas of expertise include cross-border secured and real estate financing.

Skadden is recommended for its considerable transactional expertise when it comes to secured and unsecured, senior and mezzanine financing. The firm possesses significant experience in representing lender and borrower clients including major commercial banks, leveraged issuers and private investment funds. Skadden is also noted for its expertise in leasing transactions, particularly in the aircraft finance space. The firm has particular expertise in acting for borrowers in obtaining finance for high-value acquisitions.

Winston & Strawn houses an experienced group of banking experts acting on behalf of institutional investors, equity sponsors and other lenders on complex financing transactions, including revolving credit facilities. The firm regularly advises on complex cross-border and multicurrency credit facilities and asset-based lending matters. Winston & Strawn covers a range of industry sectors, including healthcare, technology and industrial.

Chapman and Cutler boasts a talented finance practice. The team is primarily recognised for its ability to provide counsel on municipal bond-related matters and asset-based lending. The group is also highly capable of assisting clients in asset-based lending transactions, acquisitions and debtor-in-possession financings.

King & Spalding LLP is noted for its capabilities in mid-market financings. Its client base includes well-known credit funds, banks and investors.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius's team draws praise for its representation of lenders, particularly commercial and investment banks. The practitioners have notable experience in handling ABL transactions, as well as various debt financings. The group boasts notable experience in handling issues containing cross-border elements.

Paul Hastings acts for both borrowers and lenders on the full range of financings. The department frequently handles both multi-jurisdictional and domestic matters, and clients include notable financial institutions.

Vedder Price has extensive experience in an array of complex lending transactions, often advising borrower and lender clients on mezzanine, secured and unsecured and asset-based financing. The firm has niche expertise in transportation matters, acting for domestic and international parties to transactions related to aircraft, railcar and vessel financing. Vedder Price also advises lenders on loan transactions concerning the healthcare industry.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher is well-versed in advising direct lending institutions, frequently advising banks and private equity firms on direct lending operations. The firm is also involved in leveraged buyouts and other acquisitions, as well as being engaged as counsel to major borrowing corporations.