Direct lending rising star Anthony Kay has joined Orrick as a partner in London. He joins from Latham & Watkins.

Kay will work alongside M&A and private equity partners James Connor and Daniel Wayte in growing the firm’s private equity practice.

“Growing our private equity and direct lending practice in London is a strategic priority, and we are very excited to see this team of rising stars coming together. Anthony brings a valuable skillset, and we see terrific opportunities to collaborate, including with our direct lending practice, which is one of the most active in New York,” said Simon Willis, Orrick’s London office leader.

Kay brings a wealth of experience in complex cross-border finance matters. He acts for sponsors and their portfolio companies, credit funds, direct and alternative lenders and other financial institutions on financing matters generally, with a focus on acquisition, leveraged and private equity finance.

Headquartered in San Francisco, Orrick is a global law firm focused on serving the technology & innovation, energy & infrastructure and finance sectors.