Banking & Finance: California

THE FIRM This sizeable practice maintains its market-leading position thanks to a stellar client roster and impressive work highlights. The team's enviable breadth and depth makes it a strong choice with clients seeking counsel on their most complex matters. It represents major banks, bridge-lending companies and borrowers on the full range of financing and funding transactions. Major clients of the group include Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank.

Sources say: "They are a superb finance firm. They do a truly excellent job."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Global practice cochair John Mendez "continues to be a go-to lawyer for big financing transactions." He enjoys a "phenomenal practice," and has in the past year advised such clients as Credit Suisse and UBS. 

"Excellent lawyer" John Jameson comes highly recommended by sources, with one noting that "when you have a difficult financing question, John is the go-to guy." 

Glenn Collyer earns accolades for his deep market knowledge and work on behalf of borrower and lenders. Observers applaud him as "a good solid lawyer."

Gregory Robins's "lawyering skills and common sense are very impressive," and sources are also quick to praise his constructive and practical approach. His solid reputation in the market is maintained through work with such clients as Deutsche Bank and BNP Paribas.

THE FIRM The high quality of this group's banking and finance work continues to be recognized by sources from across the local market and beyond. The team undertakes a considerable volume of major work for high-profile clients such as Credit Suisse and JPMorgan Chase Bank. It recently counseled Apartment Investment and Management on matters associated with its $300 million revolving credit facility. Its wide-ranging expertise covers the gaming and entertainment, consumer products, REITs and manufacturing industries, among others.

Sources say: "I'm particularly impressed with their awareness of ongoing changes in the market."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice leader David Reamer is elevated to the top tier following a year of impressive work highlights coupled with strong market praise. Sources applaud him as easy to deal with and "very seasoned on complex financing transactions, legal and corporate matters." Major recent work includes advising Credit Suisse Securities in connection with a $1.335 billion senior secured credit facility for Regal Cinemas.

Kristine Dunn is "exceedingly bright" and admired by peers and clients alike. She has in the past year been involved in an impressive number of transactions and advised clients including BNP Paribas, McKesson and Bank of America. Observers are quick to commend her borrower-side work.   

David Kitchen enjoys a "very high-quality and sophisticated practice." He continues to handle financings for clients in a range of industries, from healthcare to media and real estate.

THE FIRM This group offers impressive regional coverage with skilled banking and finance attorneys spread across offices in San Francisco and Southern California. It continues to act for a wide range of clients including banks, hedge funds and business development corporations. Highlights from the past year include the representation of Wells Fargo as the sole arranger and administrative agent for $170 million in senior secured syndicated credit facilities provided to Mammoth Mountain Ski Area.

Sources say: "They are prominent and growing in this area."

KEY INDIVIDUALS San Francisco-based Peter Carson draws praise as "a very solid and good lawyer." He handled the aforementioned matter on behalf of Wells Fargo and also recently represented CapitalSource Bank in its provision of $51 million in asset-based financing to regional public hospital Tri-City Medical Center.

Mark Spitzer is lauded as "a great and pragmatic lawyer who gets deals done without a fuss." His impressive client list includes Wells Fargo Bank, PNC and Babson Capital Management.

James Rockett continues to draw praise for his impressive regulatory expertise. He recently counseled Bank of San Francisco on its recapitalization and reorganization.

Young partner Sandra Lee Montgomery is lauded for her "good sense of the market and knowledge of what's going on." She has in the past year handled a number of high-value matters on behalf of Ares Capital and is noted for her strength in lending issues.

George Hisert has a wealth of experience representing banks and financial institutions and remains an integral part of the team. "He is a very, very capable and reasonable lawyer with an important client following," observers reveal.  

THE FIRM The reputation of this practice continues to be built primarily on the strength of its work for borrowers and private equity firms. Highlights from the past year include the group's representation of CityCenter Holdings, assisting the client in connection with the amendment and restatement of $900 million secured revolving credit facilities and related agreements. Other major clients of the group include Power-One, Del Monte Foods and Aurora Capital Group.

Sources say: "Terrific lawyers with a philosophy of getting the deal done for the client - excellent technicians."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Linda Curtis's workload is characterized by its breadth, covering secured and unsecured senior financings, securitization transactions and acquisition financings. Sources speak of her fondly and describe her as "very strong and likeable."

Cochair of the firm's global finance group, Jeff Hudson is particularly adept in debt financing. He recently assisted Ameristar Casinos in a $1.4 billion senior secured credit facility, and also worked with clients such as Aurora Capital Group and CityCenter Holdings. "He has a can-do attitude and has gone the extra mile for us," enthuses one client.  

The "extraordinarily talented" Cromwell Montgomery handles secured and unsecured credit transactions, pre-bankruptcy workouts and debt capital markets offerings.

THE FIRM Paul Hastings's expanding California practice has finance specialists across offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Orange County. The team has well-established relationships with big-name clients such as Wells Fargo, which it recently assisted in its role as co-documentation agent and lender in the $2.2 billion acquisition of Novell by Attachmate Corporation. It also represented Oaktree Capital managed funds in their winning bid for a $1.7 billion portfolio of distressed real estate loans and properties auctioned by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. 

Sources say: "Highly professional demeanor and always respected by the other side. We have never missed a customer deadline with Paul Hastings as counsel."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Finance and restructuring practice chair John Hilson "continues to be a superstar" in the field. He is widely respected for work on asset-based financing and attracts a prestigious and loyal client following. "If a deal is worth $250 million or more, or if it's highly complex, my preference is to have John on my side," clients enthuse.

Jennifer Yount "is one of the hardest working lawyers I have come across," one source reveals. She recently acted as lead lawyer in the aforementioned matter on behalf of Wells Fargo. She draws praise as a "solid younger partner,"who is "very detail oriented and a pleasure to work with across the table." 

"Great young lawyer" Peter Burke is "well liked and respected" across the state. Major recent work includes his representation of Wells Fargo as agent in relation to a $150 million revolving credit facility for Florida Marina and its subsidiaries.

Associate Katherine Bell represents hedge funds, banks, commercial finance companies and other lenders, and is lauded as "practical, smart and hard-working."

THE FIRM Buchalter Nemer's banking and finance practice has a particularly strong local presence, but also acts on behalf of national and international clients of all kinds. Recent lateral hires have significantly strengthened the team which now has 17 partners. It recently represented a national bank on the structuring, negotiation and closing of a permanent loan for the opening of a Native American gaming casino.

Sources say: "They are the best of breed in what they do."  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Anthony Callobre recently joined the firm from Bingham McCutchen and is lauded as a real boon to the team. He is especially strong in handling asset-based lending, syndicated finance and letters of credit. Sources describe him as a "very competent and service-oriented guy."

Robert Davidson works on the negotiation, structuring and documentation of both secured and unsecured financial transactions for significant lending institutions and corporate borrowers. Clients are impressed with his business acumen and describe him as a "thoughtful and practical" attorney. 

Practice chair Farhad Bahar is well regarded for his expertise in film finance, and also undertakes work on insolvency matters and workouts. He is "very knowledgeable and well informed about current market dynamics, and is also very pleasant to work with," sources say.  

Matthew Kavanaugh focuses on the financing of intellectual property, computer hardware and software and equipment leasing and financing.

Interviewees are impressed with William Schoenholz's practical approach, noting that he is "reasonable and focuses on the important issues."

Los Angeles-based Ariel Berrios is commended for his "ability to grasp the legal issues as well as the business issues, providing sound advice on both." He handles venture lending and leasing and is also experienced in large syndicated transactions.  

THE FIRM This Los Angeles-based team handles work on large syndicate loan transactions, workouts and restructurings, and has a subspecialty in Native American gaming transactions. The group's varied client list includes such stellar names as Wells Fargo and electronics giant Sony. It recently represented The Gap as borrower in connection with a $900 million senior unsecured term loan and revolving credit facility.  

Sources say: "The team clearly understand our business and provide an outstanding work product."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alan Benjamin is recognized throughout the market for his expertise in complex financings in the entertainment industry. Sources laud him as "excellent and very technical," deeming him to be "among the best" in the field. He has in the past year handled a number of matters on behalf of Wells Fargo.

John Cook recently represented SureWest Communications as borrower in relation to a $264 million senior secured revolving and term loan credit facility to refinance existing indebtedness. Interviewees applaud his excellent market knowledge and broad-based expertise.

"Solid associate" Zachary Finley "knows his stuff and is very practical," sources reveal. Highlights from the past year include representing TC Pipelines in connection with its $400 million bridging loan facility to finance an acquisition of ownership interests in natural gas pipelines.

THE FIRM This banking and finance group's client roster is testament to the team's depth and talent. It represents clients including JPMorgan Chase, CitiBank and Credit Suisse. Notable highlights from the past year include advising General Nutrition Centers on its $1.28 billion senior secured credit facility undertaken in connection with its $414 million IPO, identified as one of the most important IPOs of 2011.

Sources say: "It's a rising star - we see a lot of them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Steven Weise draws widespread praise from peers who note that his "intellect and knowledge is better than anyone's." He took a lead role in the aforementioned General Nutrion Centers matter. "He is an educator as well as a great practitioner," and an admired expert on UCC.  

Interviewees are similarly enthusiastic about Neil Cummings, who is lauded for "understanding the market inside and out." He recently advised Össur on its $204 million multicurrency term and revolving credit facilities.

THE FIRM Sidley Austin's nine-strong California group is recognized for its strength in public finance and advises a range of public agencies and financial institutions. The team recently represented Silicon Valley Bank as agent in connection with a $105 million syndicated revolving credit facility provided to Demand Media. Other major clients of the group include Merrill Lynch, Citigroup and BNP Paribas.  

Sources say: "An excellent firm that I have lots of respect for."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Pamela Martinson handles leasing, syndicated and single-bank transactions, asset-based lending and secured finance on behalf of a range of institutional lenders, borrowers and equity sponsors. Sources say she "is a great lawyer" who is "very well known" in the industry. 

Moshe Kupietzky handles M&A financings and works with private equity funds and investment fund sponsors. Interviewees highlight his impressive intellect and creativity.

THE FIRM Sullivan & Cromwell's Los Angeles-based banking and finance practice forms a key component of the firm's national strength. Its expertise spans private equity, bank regulatory, capital markets, hedge funds and bank lending, and the team recently advised NRG Commerce as borrower on a $467 million loan provided by eBay. Its impressive client roster also includes Cablevision, AB InBev and IMS Health. 

Sources say: "I see this firm doing spectacular things."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alison Ressler is a key contact.

THE FIRM Chapman and Cutler debuts in the table having earned widespread praise from market sources. While it has a broad offering, the team specializes in advising lenders and has a sizeable client roster featuring several big names in banking. Peers are impressed with the group's growing presence in the market and note that they are a pleasure to face across the table when working on deals. 

Sources say: "I have seen them in a lot of deals and they really know their stuff."

KEY INDIVIDUALS San Francisco-based Jill Matichak is a "phenomenal attorney" who has "good business sense for getting deal done." She regularly represents lead lenders in leveraged acquisition financings. Sources laud her as a "bright and capable lawyer" who really raises the firm's profile in this area.

"True professional" David McMullin joins the rankings this year, having earned praise as an "amazing and wonderful attorney." He leads the firm's San Francisco office and handles work on behalf of insurance companies, finance companies, pension funds and banks.

THE FIRM This finance practice's strength lies in its representation of private equity funds and borrowers on all aspects of debt financing. It makes its debut in the rankings this year, having recently hired a number of prominent attorneys. Recent work includes advising Thoma Bravo on a first and second lien debt financing for dividend recapitalization. The client roster also includes Golden Gate Capital, The Carlyle Group and Oaktree Capital Management.

Sources say: "They provide a superior service, which is why we use them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christopher Kirkham recently joined the firm from Wilson Sonsini and enjoys a growing reputation. He is particularly skilled in leveraged acquisitions and cross-border financings. According to interviewees, he "has great insight into the market as well as being a great advocate and negotiator."

The "extraordinarily commercial" Samantha Good focuses on distressed or opportunistic financings, leveraged buyouts and complex debt restructurings. She wins the admiration of sources for her "unremittingly upbeat and indefatigable" attitude and ability "to deal with difficult opposing counsel."

THE FIRM With lawyers based across offices in Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, this team is well placed to provide assistance across the whole state. The team is strongest on middle- and upper middle-market matters including asset-based lending, mezzanine and other subordinated lending and borrower-side representations. It has in the past year handled a number of matters on behalf of GE Capital, and also represented Thompson Creek Metals on a $300 million senior secured revolving credit facility. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Los Angeles-based Gary Rosenbaum is applauded for his strength in asset-based matters. He recently acted for Valassis, closing a $400 million refinancing of its senior secured credit facility.

Jean LeBlanc "brings a valuable skill set to deals," sources reveal. He continues to represent GE Capital and has also recently handled a number of financings in the healthcare sector.

THE FIRM This firm's banking and finance practice specializes in securities, while also handling a range of other mid-value matters, from acquisition finance to private equity investments. The Los Angeles-based team has expertise across a range of industries, including telecommunications, retail and manufacturing.

Sources say: "We were really happy with the service provided by Milbank."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Melainie Mansfield handles debt restructurings, M&A-related financings and private equity investments. She is "a pleasure to work with - tenacious on behalf of clients but also reasonable," peers reveal. She has particular knowledge of the telecommunications, technology, and media and entertainment industries.

THE FIRM Morrison & Foerster's California team specializes in IP, global vendor and clean tech and energy financing, and has expertise covering equipment leasing, asset-based and syndicated lending, securitization and secondary debt trading. Highlights from the past year include advising McKesson on the renewal of its $1.35 billion securitization of accounts receivable. Other significant clients of the group include Silicon Valley Bank, The Campbell Group and Boyd Gaming.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Daniel Leventhal has an active practice in both California and London, specializing in cross-border matters. He is widely admired by peers who note that they would refer work to him.

Jill Feldman is held in high regard by sources. She focuses on bilateral and commercial lending, infrastructure and renewable energy financing and equipment leasing.

THE FIRM This team represents borrowers, financial institutions and intermediaries in a range of financing transactions. It remains well known for work on entertainment finance. The team recently advised long-standing client LBI Media on matters associated with a complete refinancing. Other clients include BNP Paribas, Wells Fargo, Apollo Management and Guess.

Sources say: "It's an excellent group of practitioners."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tom Baxter "is technically very strong and excellent in negotiations," sources say. He recently represented Western Digital, and subsidiaries, in connection with the negotiation and syndication of a credit facility.

Practice cochair Eric Reimer continues to split his time between the firm's New York and Los Angeles offices. He is well known in the market for his long-standing representation of Wells Fargo.

THE FIRM Shearman & Sterling's California-based team handles international and domestic financing transactions on behalf of lenders, borrowers and financial advisers. Sources are particularly quick to highlight the group's prominence in the private equity space. Notable clients of the team include Wells Fargo, Vector Capital and Symphony Technology Group.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "terrific and thoughtful" Steven Sherman splits his time between the firm's San Francisco and New York offices. His forte is in representing financial institutions and corporate clients in bankruptcies and reorganizations, and in project and acquisition financings. He recently counseled Symphony Technology Group on financing matters related to its $165 million acquisition of Shopzilla from Scripps Networks Interactive.