Mayer Brown Expands Finance Practice with New Partner Sarah Goodwin

Mayer Brown has announced the appointment of Sarah Goodwin as a partner in its Finance practice in London, a move aimed at bolstering the firm's capabilities in leveraged finance and private capital. Goodwin joins from Kirkland & Ellis, where she developed a prominent practice advising private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, and private credit providers on complex, cross-border financing transactions. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in high-value leveraged and acquisition financings, covering a wide range of capital structures including syndicated and private credit facilities, unitranche, second lien, and preferred equity.

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Philip Butler, head of Mayer Brown's London Leveraged Finance practice, described Goodwin's addition as "transformational," emphasizing that her expertise aligns with the firm's ambitions in London and the transatlantic private capital markets. Her extensive lender-side relationships and experience navigating complex capital structures are expected to enhance Mayer Brown's offerings significantly.

Mayer Brown adds Kirkland leveraged finance partner in London

Goodwin's arrival is part of Mayer Brown's broader strategy to expand its private capital capabilities in London and across EMEA, the US, and APAC. Her first year will involve extensive travel to key markets, including New York, Chicago, Paris, and Germany, to engage with sponsors and lenders. Dominic Griffiths, London Office Managing Partner, noted that her appointment is a crucial step in the firm's growth strategy, enhancing its ability to deliver sophisticated financing solutions to clients in the global private equity and private credit markets.

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This strategic hire follows a series of recent appointments aimed at strengthening the firm's EMEA Private Capital offering, including the addition of partners such as Mark Evans, Tessa Agar, David Miles, and Philip Butler in London, as well as Dr. Octávio de Sousa and Nikolai Sokolov in Frankfurt.

Mayer Brown bolsters Leveraged Finance and Private Capital capabilities with new London partner

Mayer Brown's leadership has expressed strong support for Goodwin's appointment. Philip Butler stated, "Her experience navigating complex capital structures, combined with her strong commercial instincts and long-standing client relationships, will broaden and deepen our Private Capital offering." Dominic Griffiths added, "We are delighted to welcome Sarah to Mayer Brown. Her arrival is another important step in our growth strategy."

Mayer Brown bolsters Leveraged Finance and Private Capital capabilities with new London partner

• “Sarah is a transformational addition to our team, significantly enhancing both our private equity and private credit credentials, which aligns perfectly with our ambitions in London and across the transatlantic private capital markets,” — Philip Butler, Head of London Leveraged Finance Practice

Mayer Brown bolsters Leveraged Finance and Private Capital capabilities with new London partner

• “I am thrilled to be joining Mayer Brown at such an exciting moment for the firm’s global Finance practice,” — Sarah Goodwin, New Partner

Mayer Brown bolsters Leveraged Finance and Private Capital capabilities with new London partner

The addition of Sarah Goodwin to Mayer Brown's London office marks a significant step in the firm's ongoing expansion within the leveraged finance and private capital sectors. Her expertise and strategic vision are expected to enhance the firm's capabilities and client offerings, positioning Mayer Brown for continued growth in a competitive market.

Mayer Brown adds Kirkland leveraged finance partner in London