Paul Hastings is growing its finance and restructuring teams with the addition of former Winston & Strawn partner Justin Rawlins, who was chairman of Winston's national restructuring practice, and Philip Ratner, who handles complex financings for credit funds, private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies.

Rawlins will practice out of his new firm's Los Angeles headquarters. Ratner is based in New York.

"In the current economic environment, the need for expertise with restructurings and other distressed transactions is likely to increase," Seth Zachary, chairman of Paul Hastings, said in a statement. "Justin's and Phil's legal and business prowess in tackling this complex area positions Paul Hastings well for achieving the greatest success for our clients."

Rawlins, who was with Winston for over 18 years, advises on financing transactions, restructurings, recapitalizations, corporate governance matters and acquisitions and divestitures.

"The reason for the move was to find a firm that had a higher quality practice with a focus on finance and restructuring, which is what Phil and I do," Rawlins said.

He cited Paul Hastings' strong presence across several major markets, including Los Angeles, New York and Houston, as an additional draw.

Ratner, who joined Winston from Weil, Gotshal & Manges in 2017, said he expected many of his and Rawlins' clients would be joining them in the move.

"What I would say is that we have had sort of a discussion with our clients and they are excited about our move over here," Ratner said. "Justin and I work very closely together, and continuing that growth trajectory with him was very exciting."

Rawlins, before his almost two-decade stint at Winston, was an associate at Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton.

Paul Hastings has made a number of lateral hires in it corporate practices over the last 15 months, adding partners in Houston, Washington, D.C., Sao Paulo, New York, Los Angeles and London.

"The investments we are making in our finance and restructuring practice reflect the trust major financial institutions are placing in us to help them with their most important transactions and restructurings," Zachary said.

Winston did not respond to a request for comment regarding the departures.

|

Read More:

And the LOTW Runners Up…