A&O Shearman added Alyssa Simon as a partner in its U.S. debt finance practice based in the global law firm’s New York office.

Simon was most recently at am investment bank in both London and New York, where she was an executive director in leveraged finance, originating, structuring and executing large-cap, high-profile transactions for corporate and private capital clients. Her practice focuses on high-yield bond transactions used by private equity-backed issuers in complex domestic and cross-border acquisition financing. Simon’s work also includes advising on syndicated and private credit financings as well as distressed situations with high yield covenants.

“Alyssa Simon is a talented and seasoned high yield/leveraged finance professional whose experience both within a large investment bank and as outside counsel at a leading firm further enhances A&O Shearman’s capacity to meet the financing needs of our U.S. and global clients,” Adam Hakki, co-chair of global executive committee and board, and U.S. chair of A&O Shearman, said. “I am delighted that Alyssa is joining our firm.”

“Alyssa’s expertise in high yield financings bolsters our newly combined firm’s position as a one-stop shop for all forms of leveraged financings in the market,” Jake Mincemoyer, global co-head of debt finance at A&O Shearman, said. “Alyssa’s addition to our existing deep and broad bench of leveraged finance partners underscores our commitment to serving all participants in the U.S. and global leveraged finance markets.”

“I am very happy to be joining the outstanding team at A&O Shearman,” Simon said. “The firm’s global reach, its talented team and its top tier client roster is a great fit for my practice.”

Simon began her career at a major global law firm before moving to a leading investment bank, where she held a variety of roles. Admitted in California, Simon graduated from UCLA School of Law.