Led by 'two very dynamic partners' and aided by 'very well-trained associates', Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP has quickly established itself as a strong firm in the leveraged finance market on behalf of a robust and growing roster of private credit funds. The 'incredible' Smridhi Gulati 'knows the market perfectly', ensuring that she is able to best serve her lender-side client base on mandates involving debt throughout the capital structure. The 'commercially minded and legally knowledgeable' Matthew Smith co-heads the team alongside Gulati.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Smridhi Gulati is incredible and has an eye on everything. She is efficient and knows the market perfectly; while fighting very hard for her client she is also pragmatic and a strong lawyer.'
- 'Smridhi Gulati and her senior associate Matthew Mazenier are a powerhouse and a dream team. The level of service and the thorough legal advice they provide is second to none.'
- 'Matthew Smith is both commercially minded and also legally knowledgeable. We always feel like he is willing to fight the battles for his clients.'
Key clients
- Ares
- Barings
- BC Partners Advisors L.C.
- BlackRock
- Tikehau Capital
- Kartesia
- Bridgepoint Credit
- LGT Private Debt
- Apera Asset Management
- Ardian Private Credit
- Adams Street Credit Advisors
- H.I.G. Capital International Advisors, LLP
- Hanover Investors
- Macquarie Principal Finance
- EMK Capital
- Muzinich Private Credit
- Investec Bank plc
- NorthWall Capital
- Goldman Sachs
- Beach Point Capital Management
Work highlights
- Advised Barings as sole lender of senior secured credit facilities backing Abry Partners’ acquisition of Chambers & Partners.
- Advised the unitranche lenders (including a number of private credit providers) in connection with the unitranche facilities (including additional incremental facilities) made available to the Dukes Education Group, one of the largest collections of nurseries, schools and education services in the UK with operations in Europe.
- Advised Goldman Sachs in its financing of Blue Motor Finance.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Matthew Smith, Smridhi Gulati