BOSTON, August 21, 2023 – Leading international law firm Proskauer is pleased to announce that Jessica Shearer has rejoined the Firm as a partner in its Private Credit group. Jessica will be based in Boston where she will advise private credit providers, including senior lenders, business development companies, mezzanine funds, insurance companies and sovereign wealth funds, in connection with acquisition financing, refinancing and restructuring transactions.
“I am thrilled to welcome Jessica back to Proskauer. Having worked closely with Jessica for many years, I’ve seen firsthand how her insight into market trends and her tailored approach to client relationships can make an impact and create a competitive edge for direct lenders,” said Gary Creem, co-head of the Firm’s Private Credit group.
Jessica has deep experience in a wide range of financing types, including unitranche, first lien, second lien, secured and unsecured mezzanine, holdco, preferred equity and debtor-in-possession loans, across a range of industries.
“Jessica is a standout lawyer, with a keen understanding of the asset class. As private credit continues to grow and attract new – and renewed – interest, her skill set will be an asset to the continued growth of our group and that of our clients. I look forward to working with her once again,” said Mike Mezzacappa, co-head of Proskauer’s Private Credit group.
Proskauer has more than 90 lawyers dedicated to private credit across key global financial centers including New York, London, Boston, Los Angeles and Chicago, a city in which the Firm planted its flag last year with the hiring of partner Evan Palenschat.
“Proskauer is a trailblazer when it comes to private credit. Their breadth and diversity of experience, clients and deals in the industry are unmatched, having established their stronghold in the market more than 20 years ago. I’m excited to return to where I started my legal career, and to begin advising clients with my colleagues at Proskauer – both old and new,” said Jessica.
Jessica received her B.A. from Brown University and her J.D. from Harvard Law School. She joins from White & Case.
The Firm’s Private Credit group focuses on representing credit funds, business development companies and other direct lending funds in connection with “clubbed” and syndicated credits, preferred equity, special situations and alternative investments. Over the past five years, Proskauer has been involved in more than 1,000 deals for over 75 private credit clients across the U.S. and Europe with an aggregate transaction value exceeding $260 billion.
About Proskauer
We are 800+ lawyers serving clients from 12 offices located in the leading financial and business centers in the Americas, Europe and Asia. We work with asset managers, private equity and venture capital firms, Fortune 500 and FTSE companies, major sports leagues, entertainment industry legends and industry-redefining companies.
Since 1875, Proskauer has been devoted to our clients’ successes. Our lawyers are known for their unusually high accessibility, responsiveness and attentiveness. We go the extra mile to understand a client’s business — and think like savvy businesspeople in the process.
With offices in major financial centers in the U.S., Europe, Asia and South America, Proskauer’s Finance platform is well-positioned to engage in transactions around the world including acquisition finance, leveraged lending, fund finance, workouts and restructurings, investment-grade and commercial lending, structured products and specialty financings. Its diversity gives us unparalleled market knowledge, and our representation of both lenders and borrowers provides us with the ability to appreciate critical deal points from the perspective of all parties to the transaction.