Jeffrey Katz > Ropes & Gray LLP > New York, United States > Lawyer Profile

Ropes & Gray LLP‘s practice spans the gamut of lender- and borrower-side commercial lending matters, with particular expertise in assisting private equity borrowers seeking to undertake leveraged buyouts and obtain asset-based loans. The borrower-side arm of the practice is spearheaded by New York’s Stefanie Birkmann, a specialist in syndicated finance structures, and Boston-based Michael Lee, who assists borrowers in arranging facilities ranging from mezzanine to bridge finance facilities. Also in Boston, Byung Choi is an expert in debt and asset financings, advising a number of private equity houses in this regard. On the lender side, the practice assists credit providers with the initial structuring of finance facilities, including hybrid debt and equity loans, and is noted for advising private credit providers. Taking the lead on lender-side matters are Jeffrey Katz, who splits their time between Boston and New York and advises on special situations investments, and Leonard Klingbaum, based in New York and adding expertise in the restructuring of credit facilities.

Ropes & Gray LLP acts for a host of companies, investors and individual board members on shareholder activism issues. The team gives ongoing counsel on shareholder engagement, while also acting in proxy contests and pre-contest negotiations. The firm’s transactional department works closely with the shareholder activism practitioners to advise on issues relating to M&A. The Boston office is a key location for the practice group, housing department head Jeffrey Katz, who focuses on corporate governance and has a wealth of investment fund clients. Also in Boston, Paul Kinsella and Amy Roy are experienced lawyers to note, while more junior partner Tara Fisher is building shareholder activism experience in her transactional practice. Ariel Deckelbaum joined the firm’s New York office from Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in March 2023, working alongside Martin Crisp and Jackie Cohen.