Global law firm Paul Hastings has added a bi-coastal Finance and Restructuring partner duo from Winston & Strawn to its Finance and Restructuring practice.Justin Rawlins, who currently leads Winston & Strawn’s Restructuring practice, will join as a partner in Los Angeles, and Phil Ratner will join as a partner in New York.
“The investments we are making in our Finance and Restructuring practice reflect the trust major financial institutions are placing in us to help them with their most important transactions and restructurings,” says Seth Zachary, chair of Paul Hastings. “In the current economic environment, the need for expertise with restructurings and other distressed transactions is likely to increase and Justin’s and Phil’s legal and business prowess in tackling this complex area positions Paul Hastings well for achieving the greatest success for our clients,” he added.
“Paul Hastings’ global platform, particularly the firm’s strength in California, Houston, New York and London, and the firm’s financial strength and economic trajectory were extremely attractive to me,” says Rawlins. “The momentum of Paul Hastings’ Finance practice and the expected market conditions make the firm the ideal place to best serve my clients.”
“The growth and depth of Paul Hastings’ Finance and Private Equity practices, along with the entrepreneurial spirit throughout the firm were huge draws,” says Ratner. “I’m looking forward to taking our practice to the next level with Justin and our new partners.”
Rawlins represents credit and hedge funds, lending institutions, companies, and committees in providing counselling on financing transactions, restructurings, recapitalisations, corporate governance matters, acquisitions and divestitures, with an emphasis on distressed and special situations.
Ratner’s practice focuses on the representation of credit funds, private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies, corporations, and investment banks on a diverse range of complex secured and unsecured corporate finance transactions. He also has substantial experience with special situations and distressed debt transactions, including chapter 11 reorganisations and out-of-court restructurings, and strategic lending transactions.
