With particular strength in CLOs, the team at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is active across agency mortgage work, private credit financings and esoteric securitizations. The group advises major multinational banks, investors, asset managers and financial services institutions. Co-leading the team from Washington DC, Michael Mazzuchi focuses on asset‑backed lending and repurchase agreements, while Macey Levington is active in CLO and secured‑loan transactions. John McGill is involved in CLOs and asset‑backed private credit facilities, and Beau Sterling frequently advises underwriters on a diverse caseload spanning mortgage‑backed transactions, CLOs, and asset‑backed financings and refinancings. Praised by clients as an ‘impeccable’ and ’zealous advocate,’ Amber Phillips handles CLO transactions, regulatory and structured finance matters, as well as asset-backed private credit facilities. Jay Kozak, recognized for his ‘wealth of knowledge,’ is experienced in equity-backed loan financings and asset-based lending arrangements. In New York, Nora McCloskey Sines assists on mortgage‑backed and CLO transactions and a range of asset‑based financings, while Washington-based Michael Sanders advises banking, financial services and private equity clients. All individuals mentioned are based in Washington DC, unless stated otherwise.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The firm is unique in the sense that it has a dedicated team for structured finance. Not every large firm dedicates professionals to the practice. This creates an expertise that is difficult to match by other firms. Furthermore, this market knowledge and capacity allows Cleary to work through transactions more efficiently as it is able to anticipate issues and can more quickly advise on the steps to take.’
‘Amber Phillips is impeccable and a zealous advocate. Her advice is highly sought after by business people on each deal. Her ability to handle opposing counsel efficiently is something I value.'
- 'Jay Kozak has a wealth of knowledge. Further, he routinely is able to complete transactions efficiently.'
- 'Michael Sanders presents his advice in a way that is digestible for business people. In addition, he is efficient and zealously advocates for his client's position.'
‘They have tremendous industry knowledge, they are commercial but protective, they think outside the box to come up with solutions, they are true partners, and they go the extra mile.'
‘Amber Phillips and Macey Levington are stand-outs in this space. This is a fabulous firm and team.’
Key clients
- Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
- Santander
- BMO
- J.P. Morgan
- Morgan Stanley
- PNC
- Mizuho Securities
- Blue Owl
- Goldman Sachs
- Credit Suisse (Prior to acquisition by UBS)
- Nomura
- Silver Point Capital
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.
Macey Levington
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Beau Sterling
Practice head
Michael Mazzuchi; Macey Levington
Other key lawyers
John McGill; Beau Sterling; Amber Phillips; Jay Kozak; Nora McCloskey Sines; Michael Sanders