Dechert expands global finance practice

Dechert LLP has added a four-lawyer team in London, including partners Sushila Nayak and James Jirtle, to strengthen its structured credit and CLO capabilities.

Sushila, dual-qualified in New York and England & Wales, brings extensive experience in CLOs, securitisations, private debt, and trade finance, advising major financial institutions and asset managers. 

She will lead Dechert’s London CLO practice.

Sushila said: “Dechert has an impressive global platform and advises on a broad range of cutting-edge transactions. 

“I look forward to joining the firm and supporting the continued growth of its first-rate practice.”

James offers strong expertise in structured credit, advising on CLOs and European securitisation regulations. 

Two new associates also join, enhancing the team’s capabilities.

Dechert’s global structured credit practice operates across five offices and works with over 50 CLO managers worldwide. 

In 2024, it advised on more than 94 deals totalling over $39.5 billion, including landmark transactions such as the first European Middle-Market Private Credit CLO and the largest-ever CLO at $2.5 billion.

Dave Forti, co-chair of Dechert, added: “We are proud to have built one of the world's leading global finance practices, consistently at the forefront of the most novel and challenging matters. 

“Bringing Sushila and her team on board is perfectly in line with our growth strategy and solidifies our position as a leading force in structured credit.”

John M. Timperio, co-chair of Dechert's global finance and real estate practice groups, added: "The structured credit and CLO space is growing rapidly, and the added expertise of Sushila, James, and their team will contribute to our market leading practice. 

“Their addition greatly enhances our ability to expand our service offerings to financial institutions and asset managers worldwide.”

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