DLA Piper has recently made a strategic move by hiring a team of three partners from Latham & Watkins to fortify its newly established private credit group. The team, composed of partners Joshua Tinkelman, Nicholas Rinehart, and Laura Bladow, is expected to play a key role in expanding DLA Piper’s capabilities in private credit, a sector witnessing considerable growth and competition.
Joshua Tinkelman, previously a prominent figure at Latham & Watkins, has a noteworthy track record in advising lenders and borrowers on complex financing transactions. His expertise will undoubtedly enhance DLA Piper’s ability to navigate the intricacies of private credit deals. Notably, Nicholas Rinehart and Laura Bladow bring valuable experience in handling high-stakes transactions, which aligns with the firm’s objectives to capture a larger share of the market.
This strategic acquisition by DLA Piper aligns with broader industry trends where law firms are increasingly focusing on expanding their private credit offerings. According to a report from Bloomberg Law, private credit has become a competitive field as alternative lending continues to grow amidst evolving market conditions.
DLA Piper’s move is not isolated. Across the legal landscape, firms such as Allen & Overy and Kirkland & Ellis have also been strengthening their teams to capitalize on the demand for private credit expertise. This demand is fueled by the increasing complexity of financial transactions and the necessity for specialized legal acumen. As noted in a recent analysis by Legal Business, law firms are jostling to position themselves as leaders in this rapidly expanding sector.
The hiring of the Latham trio marks a significant step in DLA Piper’s ambition to become a dominant force in the private credit space. The firm’s strategic direction is expected to create new opportunities not only for its legal teams but also for its clientele, which includes major financial institutions and corporate borrowers eager to explore alternative lending solutions.