Morgan Lewis is adding regional strength to its 110+ strong global finance team with the addition of partner Mark Kirsons, who joins from Sidley, where he also previously served as a co-leader of its Global Finance group, and will be resident in Chicago. Mark is recognized for his lender-side practice, representing banks, financial services companies, and private equity funds, many of which Morgan Lewis already serves in its US East and West coast offices and in the United Kingdom.

“Mark’s arrival deepens our Midwest support for institutional lenders, including the companies and banks our firm is privileged to serve in other regions,” said Firm Chair Jami McKeon. “As part of our global finance practice and financial services industry teams, Mark will be a key resource and trusted advisor to whom clients can turn for strategic finance guidance.”

Kirsons advises on traditional lending, including cash-flow and asset-based lending, as well as sponsor finance and structured finance transactions. His practice also includes advising debtors and creditors in workouts, restructurings, and bankruptcies. Kirsons works with agents, arrangers, lenders, borrowers, and sponsors on investment grade, mid-corporate, and middle market transactions. He works with clients across a range of industries, including energy, healthcare, sports, gaming, leisure and entertainment, manufacturing, retail, transportation, media, and telecommunications, among others.

“We are excited to welcome someone with Mark’s incredible combination of high-level finance skills and a deep following among financial institutions clients that rely on him to execute their transactions,” said Jonathan Bernstein, leader of Morgan Lewis’s global finance practice. “Mark is highly regarded in the industry and shares our collaborative approach to client service.”

Mark’s news follows the recent arrival of partner Tori Weir in London, who focuses on advising US and cross-border debt financings. Among other additions in Chicago, Mark reunites in that office with structured transactions partners Jeff Weinstein and Patrick Lampe, and labor and employment partners Ami Wynne and Jonathan Lotsoff, who all were previously with Sidley.