Weil, Gotshal & Manges has added Damian Ridealgh as a partner in its U.S. Banking & Finance Group in New York, strengthening the firm’s private capital, direct lending, capital solutions and liability management capabilities.
Ridealgh returns to Weil from Freshfields, where he served as Global Co-Head of Private Credit and Capital Solutions. He was previously a partner in Weil’s Banking & Finance practice.
His return makes him the 21st partner to rejoin Weil since the beginning of 2023.
Ridealgh primarily represents private capital clients, including credit funds, private equity funds and other financial institutions.
His practice focuses on capital solutions, special situations and liability management transactions, along with complex U.S. and European financing matters.
Ridealgh also advises on acquisition financings, leveraged buyouts, restructurings, REIT financings, fund financings and asset-based lending.
His experience across both transactional finance and restructuring matters is expected to strengthen Weil’s ability to advise creditors and private capital firms across the full lifecycle of complex financing situations.
The firm highlighted Ridealgh’s creditor-side capabilities in distressed situations, direct lending and liability management, areas where private capital investors have become increasingly active as borrowers seek more flexible financing and balance-sheet solutions.
His practice also complements Weil’s broader Corporate and Restructuring platforms, allowing clients to access financing, transactional and distressed-investment capabilities within the same firm.
Weil’s Banking & Finance practice advises both borrowers and sponsors as well as lenders and arrangers on complex financings globally.
The team works closely with Weil’s M&A, Private Equity and Restructuring practices on acquisition financing, event-driven transactions and distressed situations.
The firm has approximately 1,200 lawyers across offices on three continents.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are incredibly pleased to welcome Damian back to Weil. His knowledge of the Weil platform and his deep experience advising private capital clients across the range of direct lending mandates, creditor-side liability management exercises and restructurings will be invaluable as we continue to grow strategically in these areas.”
Barry Wolf, Executive Partner at Weil
“Damian is an accomplished creditor-side lawyer with deep experience in distressed situations, direct lending and liability management. He brings a substantive skill set that spans both transactional and restructuring work, allowing him to serve clients across the full range of their needs.”
Michael J. Aiello, Chairman of Weil’s Corporate Department
“Having known Damian personally and professionally for many years, we are confident he will be a tremendous asset to our team and greatly enhance our offering in private capital and distressed creditor situations. His deep technical expertise, strong client relationships and collaborative style make him an outstanding addition to our Banking & Finance Group.”
Justin D. Lee and Andrew Colao, Co-Heads of Weil’s Banking & Finance Practice
“I’m excited to return to Weil. The Firm’s premier Corporate and Restructuring platforms and collaborative culture create an outstanding environment to grow my practice and deliver exceptional results for our clients. Weil’s increasing focus on liability management and capital solutions aligns closely with where I see the market heading, and I’m looking forward to reconnecting with colleagues I’ve long admired and to contributing to the Firm’s outstanding Banking & Finance team.”
Damian Ridealgh, Partner at Weil
