Berhane brings significant experience and deep market knowledge advising private equity sponsors and other private and public companies in a wide range of finance transactions. She most recently was a partner at Kirkland & Ellis and, prior to that, served a secondment at KKR & Co, Inc. in New York.
Vinson & Elkins today announced that East Berhane has joined Vinson & Elkins as a Dallas-based partner in the firm’s Finance Practice.
Her practice focuses on debt financings, including acquisition and sponsored leveraged buyout financings, syndicated loan transactions, asset-based lending, debt restructurings and other complex transactions. She advises private equity sponsors, their portfolio companies, and other private and public companies.
“East’s experience with complicated leveraged acquisitions and other sophisticated financings will prove instantly valuable to our clients,” said Vinson & Elkins Partner David Wicklund, head of the firm’s Global Finance Practice Group. “I expect East to play a central role in the growth of our Finance Practice as we continue to respond to demand from our clients investing in the energy transition and infrastructure assets.”
Russell Oshman, managing partner of Vinson & Elkins’ Dallas Office, added: “East not only bolsters our Finance Practice but perfectly embodies our culture. She is a consummate team player who has a track record of mentoring associates and supporting the growth and development of her colleagues across practice groups. East brings a jolt of energy to our Dallas office, and I know our lawyers and clients will love working with her.”
“I was attracted to Vinson & Elkins because of its platform, people, and dynamism,” Berhane says. “It has a leading reputation in Finance, a strong client base, and ambitious plans to expand its practice in exciting ways.”
Berhane earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California and a Juris Doctor degree from New York University School of Law, where she was an editor on the school’s law review. At Kirkland & Ellis, she served as co-head of the firm’s New York Black Affinity Group and a partner advisor to its Associates Committee.
