International law firm Ropes & Gray hired Joanne De Silva as a partner in its finance practice in New York.

De Silva focuses her practice on direct lending transactions, debt investments and debt restructurings across the capital structure. She represents business development companies, debt investment funds, banks and other institutional lenders in a variety of transactions, including unitranche, senior secured, mezzanine and other financing transactions. She also advises on intercreditor arrangements including agreements among lenders, first lien/second lien and split collateral intercreditor and other subordination agreements.

Prior to joining Ropes & Gray, De Silva spent 18 years in the Singapore and New York offices of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, including several years at Bingham McCutchen in New York prior to its merger with Morgan, Lewis & Bockius in 2014.

“Joanne is a seasoned finance attorney,” said Jay Kim, co-leader of the finance group in New York. “She brings with her a wealth of experience in unitranche and direct lending generally, areas where we have experienced significant growth as a firm. Joanne’s arrival deepens our direct lending team and bolsters our market position. We are excited to welcome Joanne to the firm.”