LESLIE PLASKON is a partner and co-head of the Global Finance practice in New York. Leslie represents alternative lenders, investors, hedge funds, traditional banks and investment banks, as well as borrowers and sponsors. She specifically focuses her practice on complex finance transactions, cross-border matters and intercreditor arrangements, including asset-based and cash flow facilities, first lien and second lien transactions, split collateral, unitranches and “FILO” facilities. Leslie has extensive experience with distressed situations, debt restructurings and bankruptcy matters, including debtor-in-possession and exit financing facilities, exchange offers, restructuring support agreements, credit bid arrangements, 363 sales and Chapter 11 plans. She has advised banks, agents, direct and specialty lenders, investors and steering committees in Chapter 11 cases, out-of-court restructurings and workouts.
Leslie’s practice covers an expansive range of industries including retail, manufacturing, healthcare, agribusiness, technology, publishing, packaging, aerospace, energy, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, transportation, shipping, real estate, financial services, food services, food and beverage and restaurants. She has in-depth experience with deals of all sizes, from bi-lateral domestic financings and “club” deals for middle market companies to more broadly-syndicated credit facilities for large publicly traded companies, as well as private sponsor-owned businesses with cross-border operations.
Leslie has been profiled in ABF Journal’s 2021 inaugural “Top Women in Asset-Based Lending” feature, which highlights the career paths of the most influential and innovative women in the industry. She has been recognized as a “visionary in strategy and forward planning” by The Legal 500, and has also been recognized by IFLR 1000.
Prior to joining Sidley, Leslie was a partner at another global law firm.