Sidley has added finance partners Lee Askenazi, Alistair Dunlop, Robert Hagan, and Rebecca O’Brien, along with tax partner James Gouwar, strengthening its Global Finance and Tax practices in New York and Washington, D.C. The group joins from Clifford Chance, where Askenazi co‑chaired the U.S. Global Financial Markets practice and is ranked Band 1 in Chambers USA 2026 for Capital Markets: Securitization: RMBS.
The four finance partners bring extensive experience in structured capital markets and structured finance. They advise sponsors, issuers, investors, asset managers, arrangers, sellers, purchasers, and other market participants on complex securitization and asset‑backed financing transactions, including:
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Asset‑backed securities and residential mortgage‑backed securities.
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Collateralized loan and fund obligations and rated note feeders.
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Warehouse and other secured financing facilities, new issuances, refinancings, and restructurings across a wide range of asset classes.
Their practices span U.S. and international markets, including private credit and asset‑backed financing, and encompass regulatory and transactional advice tied to evolving structured finance frameworks and asset‑backed lending.
Gouwar focuses on the tax aspects of structured finance, covering mortgage‑ and asset‑backed transactions, collateralized loan and debt obligations, and real estate mortgage investment conduits. He has helped develop innovative securitization structures across diverse financial assets and is ranked Band 1 in Chambers USA 2026 for Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax. His experience also extends to private equity funds, hedge funds, regulated investment companies, and other pooled vehicles.
The arrivals build on Sidley’s momentum in 2026, following the addition of eight other Global Finance and Tax partners earlier this year. Sidley’s Global Finance group now includes more than 200 lawyers advising on high‑value financings across platforms, industries, and asset types, while its Tax practice comprises over 60 lawyers across the U.S. and Europe, helping clients navigate complex cross‑border tax issues.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are building a fully integrated platform that enables us to advise clients across every facet of the most sophisticated financing transactions. Lee, Alistair, Becky, Rob, and Jim deepen our capabilities across Global Finance and Tax while creating opportunities to collaborate with our private equity, investment funds, insurance, and real estate teams. Their complementary practices and strong client relationships will enhance the value we deliver to existing clients and position us to win new mandates across the private capital markets.”
Brian Fahrney, Chair of Sidley’s Executive Committee
“Lee, Alistair, Becky, Rob, and Jim are outstanding additions whose practices further strengthen Sidley’s leadership in structured finance, private credit, and securitization. Their arrival reflects our continued investment in premier teams and practice areas that are strategically important to our clients and to our firm’s long-term growth.”
Yvette Ostolaza, Chair of Sidley’s Management Committee
