Patrick Lawler is a partner with an exceptional breadth of transactional and advisory experience, with a particular focus on debt finance. With over twenty years of experience at leading international law firms prior to joining the firm, Patrick is widely recognized as a leading practitioner in banking and finance, advising large, middle-market, venture-backed, domestic, and international clients.
Patrick advises banks, direct lenders, funds, and operating companies on a comprehensive range of leveraged and corporate finance transactions, including domestic and cross-border acquisition financings, asset-based lending facilities, project and equipment financings, structured financings, operating and capital leases, and restructurings. Known for his ability to navigate technically demanding matters, he has guided clients through the legal complexities of billions of dollars in transactions spanning large-scale, middle-market, emerging company, and multijurisdictional transactions.
He provides strategic counsel on all aspects of deal structure, negotiation, and documentation, including complex intercreditor arrangements among senior, mezzanine, and subordinated lenders.
Patrick began his legal career at White & Case, representing lead agents and arrangers in large syndicated loan transactions and negotiating complex financing arrangements. He later joined Pillsbury in San Francisco, where he broadened his practice and was elected partner in his eighth year—two years ahead of the traditional partnership track. He subsequently led the commercial lending team for Kirkland & Ellis’ San Francisco office and served as head of O’Melveny & Myers’ entertainment finance practice in Los Angeles.
Patrick earned his J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School and holds a bachelor’s degree in Classical Studies (Ancient Greek) from Stanford University, graduating with honors, distinction, and Phi Beta Kappa. While at Stanford, he was the goalkeeper for the varsity soccer team. He remains an avid and competitive soccer player, though his Ancient Greek has admittedly lapsed.
