The Firm: Proskauer Rose commands a dominant position in the junior capital market, both in Massachusetts and beyond the commonwealth's borders. Its recent work highlights include advising Sankaty Advisors on the $205 million mezzanine debt financing of the buyout of Renal Advantage. Other notable clients are KKR, Barclays Capital and Morgan Stanley.

Sources Say: "Very practical, very much problem solvers. Some lawyers will just tell you what the risks are, whereas Proskauer Rose really helps you to mitigate those risks."

Key Individuals: Impressed sources enthusiastically assert that Steven Ellis is "excellent and one of only a handful of lawyers to really have a finger on the pulse of the junior debt capital market in the US." He recently represented Morgan Stanley in the issue of $90 million subordinated notes by Excelitas Technologies.

Peter Antoszyk has a strong track record in restructuring work. In recent matters, he acted alongside Stephen Boyko in advising Audax Mezzanine Fund and Guggenheim Partners on the global restructuring and refinancing of US Builders.

Stephen Boyko is described by sources as a "deal-maker." He co-heads the junior capital department and has a broad base of experience spanning leveraged buyouts, growth capital investments and acquisition financings, among others.

William Brady stands out as an excellent negotiatior. "He's very practical and clearly identifies the 'got to have' versus the 'would be nice to have' elements of a transaction," asserts one interviewee. Brady's body of work includes advising Golub Capital on a $50 million loan to Entrust, and representing Solar Capital in its $45 million loan to AOA Top Tier Holding.