Mayer Brown announced today that renowned private credit lawyer Joanne De Silva has joined the firm’s New York office as a partner in the Banking & Finance practice. Ms. De Silva joins from Ropes & Gray LLP.

“Building out our private capital capabilities is a strategic priority of the firm,” said Mayer Brown Chair Jon Van Gorp. “We already have a strong position in private credit and Joanne signifies the building of a New York-based team as our practice continues to expand to meet client demand. Joanne will complement our already strong private credit offering,” he added, referencing the firm’s Chicago-based private credit team lead by partner Matt O’Meara, who joined in 2018 with two other partners.

Ms. De Silva primarily represents financial institutions in transactions, including senior secured, unitranche, second lien, mezzanine and distressed financings. She has extensive experience with intercreditor arrangements including agreements among lenders, first lien/second lien and split collateral intercreditor agreements and subordination agreements.

“Joanne’s exceptional reputation, as well as her strong relationships with numerous financial institutions and alternative credit providers, will continue to expand our offerings and provide our clients with more sophisticated financing options,” said Paul Jorissen, a practice leader of Mayer Brown’s global Banking & Finance practice.

“Mayer Brown’s market-leading Banking & Finance practice and long history in lending and deep bench in many other transactional practice areas that touch on private credit funds made it a compelling fit for my practice,” said Ms. De Silva. “I look forward to expanding the firm’s banking and private credit fund capabilities in New York and globally.”

“We are fortunate to welcome Joanne, particularly given her ability to serve numerous clients, including private credit funds, as we continue our growth in New York,” added Matthew Ingber, the managing partner of Mayer Brown’s New York office.