Skadden has added Zachary Finley as a partner in its Finance Group in Palo Alto, strengthening the firm’s West Coast financing platform and its capabilities across digital infrastructure, private credit and leveraged finance.
Finley advises public and private companies, financial institutions and private capital funds on financing matters including investment-grade and non-investment-grade credit facilities, private credit transactions, asset-based loans, bespoke capital structures, restructurings and workouts.
Finley previously led the global Banking and Finance Group at another major law firm and brings significant experience in digital infrastructure.
Skadden highlighted the importance of Finley’s practice as the rapid expansion of AI and data centers creates demand for financing structures combining project finance, real estate finance and leveraged finance.
The hire also supports Skadden’s broader expansion of its Finance Group.
Recent additions include Scott Heard and Marina Begun in private credit and Harlyn Bohensky and John Goswell in structured finance and securitization.
Finley earned his law degree, cum laude, from Harvard Law School and his undergraduate degree, summa cum laude, from Santa Clara University.
KEY QUOTES:
“Zach is an accomplished market-leading attorney and senior leader in the banking and finance space and we are thrilled to welcome him to the firm. He joins us at an exciting time as we continue to make strategic investments across practices, industries and regions, including strengthening our presence on the West Coast and growing our global Finance Group.”
Jeremy London, Executive Partner at Skadden
“Zach joins at a pivotal moment for digital infrastructure and the broader AI ecosystem, which has seen innovative financing solutions that combine project, real estate and leveraged finance to support developers, investors and lenders that are seeking to capitalize on the rapid expansion of the data center market. Zach’s practice reflects his deep knowledge of debt markets and his arrival underscores the firm’s commitment to our leveraged finance and financial sponsor practice.”
Steven Messina, Global Head of Skadden’s Finance Group
“I am honored to join Skadden’s Finance Group. The firm’s reputation for excellence and its collaborative culture make it an ideal platform to grow my work in debt financing transactions, and I look forward to working with my new colleagues on our clients’ most complex needs.”
Zachary Finley, Partner at Skadden
