Mr Michael Chernick > Shearman & Sterling LLP > New York, United States > Lawyer Profile

A&O Shearman has a strong record in issuer and underwriter-side high-yield engagements, and is increasingly active in representing underwriters in recent times with one of the biggest market shares amongst the leading firms. The firm’s formidable leveraged finance practice provides a foundation for its high-yield activities and it has a notable presence in debt restructuring-related issuances. It also has an extensive global presence bringing a steady pipeline of deals originating in Latin America; it represented Colombia’s Ecopetrol in a $1.5bn public offering of notes. Key names in New York include Harald Halbhuber , Jason Lehner , Stephen Gruendel and Michael Chernick.

A&O Shearman‘s leveraged finance practice advises a range of leading investment and commercial banks, financial institutions, direct lenders, and financial sponsors across various types of debt financings. The team is particularly well-equipped to advise clients on high-yield debt offerings, special situations lending and restructurings. Practice head Jake Mincemoyer leads the New York-based team and is equally capable of assisting lender-clients with both syndicated and private credit arrangements. The team also features Todd Koretzky, whose practice spans the syndicated loan and direct lending markets and ranges from middle-market to large-cap transactions. Joseph Furst is also a name to note, especially for his knowledge of cross-border commercial finance transactions. Ally de Padua was promoted to the partnership in 2023. Following the 2024 merger of A&O Shearman and Shearman & Sterling LLP, the practice now includes Gus Atiyah who is well versed at assisting equity and debt funds with raising fund-level financings; Michael Chernick whose versatile practice spans syndicated lending, direct lending and private credit fund work; Maura O’Sullivan whose expertise lies in cross-border financings and Frank Oliver who was promoted to partnership in July 2023. Joel Moss departed from the firm in March 2023.