Latham & Watkins LLP is widely recognised for its strength in leveraged finance, high-yield bond work, and handling complex cross-border transactions. The team is led by a strong group of partners: Antonio Coletti, who advises private equity firms, underwriters, and initial purchasers on a broad range of securities and corporate deals; Ryan Benedict, whose practice includes IPOs, high-yield and investment-grade debt offerings, as well as tender offers and liability management; Jeffrey Lawlis, who focuses on the financing elements of M&A transactions alongside general corporate and securities law matters; and Paolo Bernasconi, who acts for corporates on cross-border leveraged finance and capital markets transactions, with a particular emphasis on high-yield debt issuances. Giorgio Ignazzi is also a key contact, noted for his focus on international capital markets and securities regulation.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Giorgio Ignazzi was approachable, and provided a significant contribution to the definition of many aspects of the process, even beyond their strict legal role.’
- ‘LW's practice stands out as one of the most sophisticated and forward-thinking in the market. We use them for their technical precision, commercial insight, and ability to navigate complex and innovative transactions. The team consistently demonstrates an ability to combine deep legal expertise with a pragmatic, client-centric approach.'
- ‘The team is recognised as the strongest debt practice on the street, combining technical excellence with a pragmatic, problem-solving approach. Clients value the team’s ability to lead discussions with all stakeholders, steering negotiations effectively and ensuring smooth execution.'
- 'What truly differentiates the practice is its capacity to anticipate challenges in sophisticated transactions and deliver innovative, client-focused solutions that consistently outperform competitors.’
- ‘What makes the individuals I work with true top performers is their professionalism, deep expertise, and a practical, solution-oriented mindset. They stand out for their ability to mediate effectively between the various parties involved, always with a clear focus on doing the right thing for everyone at the table while driving matters forward efficiently.'
- Beyond their technical skills, empathy, and strong interpersonal abilities set them apart from competitors, enabling them to build trust and foster constructive relationships even in the most complex negotiations.’
Key clients
- ENI
- UniCredit S.p.A.
- BNP Paribas
- Goldman Sachs
- Deutsche Bank
- Lottomatica S.p.A.
- Hellman & Friedman
- Rekeep
- Flos B&B Italia S.p.A.
- Omnia Technologies
- Banca Intesa
- TeamSystem S.p.A.
Work highlights
Advised TeamSystem and Hellman & Friedman on a financing transaction across the entire capital structure of the TeamSystem Group, involving the issuance of both senior and structurally subordinated debt instruments.
Advised the joint bookrunners on Snam’s US$2.0 billion sustainability-linked notes issuance, its first transaction in the US capital markets.
Advised the financiers in a complex transaction involving Biofarma Group. The transaction spanned the group’s entire capital structure, involved several entities of Biofarma Group, and comprised the refinancing of publicly issued notes, several series of privately placed notes denominated in Euros and US dollars, as well as the group’s existing revolving credit facility.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Antonio Coletti; Jeffrey Lawlis; Ryan Benedict; Paolo Bernasconi
Other key lawyers
Giorgio Ignazzi