Sidley Austin LLP announced that Joshua Thompson has joined the firm in New York as a partner in its Global Finance group. Mr. Thompson was previously a partner at Shearman & Sterling LLP, where he was head of the firm’s Global Leveraged Finance Group and head of Private Capital.

“Josh is a widely recognized finance lawyer who has built a deep practice in leveraged finance,” said Kevin Blauch, leader of Sidley’s Global Finance Group. “We have many private equity and private capital clients that look to us for advice in leveraged finance and high-yield debt investment. Josh’s arrival strengthens our finance offerings to provide clients with the highest quality service.”

Mr. Thompson has advised many of the world’s most prestigious financial institutions and borrowers on complex financing matters. He focuses his practice on acquisition financings and other leveraged lending, which includes leveraged buyouts, tender offers and other going private transactions. As a trusted counsel to lead arrangers, direct lenders and private equity sponsors, Mr. Thompson is highly involved in all aspects of structuring, negotiating and documenting these transactions. The breadth of his experience also extends to structured financings, asset-backed lending, second lien financings, mezzanine investment, restructuring, Chapter 11 plans and the acquisition of troubled companies.

“We’re delighted that Josh has chosen to join our robust global team,” said Sam Gandhi, managing partner of Sidley’s New York office. “Attracting top-tier talent like Josh symbolizes our continuous commitment to strategic growth, especially in key markets where our clients conduct business.”