Abbey Mansfield Ruby

Partner, Waller

Abbey Mansfield Ruby is a partner in Waller’s Finance & Restructuring practice where she represents global, national and regional lenders, agents, and borrowers in finance transactions spanning a wide range of industries, with particular emphasis on healthcare and senior housing. She serves as lead counsel in structuring and closing complex financings and related transactions—including asset-based lines of credit, interim/bridge loan facilities (including bridge to HUD and other agency financings), acquisition financings, first and second lien facilities, mezzanine loans, real estate and construction financings, capital call/subscription facilities, restructurings, and workouts. Abbey’s experience also includes cross-border and multi-currency facilities, as both primary and special local counsel.

Abbey chairs Waller’s Business Development Advisory Committee and was recognized by M&A Advisor in 2018 with an Emerging Leader award for her work in acquisition financing and turnaround transactions.  A passionate advocate for increasing diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal and finance industries, Abbey is a member of Waller’s Diversity Committee and Women’s Leadership Council Steering Committee and was selected as a Fellow in 2018 of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity. Abbey earned her J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School and her B.A. from Michigan State University. 

What advice would you offer to women just starting out in the industry?

Challenge yourself!  The best learning experiences were the ones where I pushed myself beyond what I already knew how to do.  Seeking opportunities to work on as many types of deals for as many different clients/bosses as possible is the best way to figure out which niche of our industry you find most interesting, and it also gives you a great foundation and network for the future.  

You’ll also find yourself in many rooms, and on countless calls, where you’ll be the only woman.  Despite advances over the years, this still remains a male-dominated industry, especially at senior levels.  You absolutely can be successful as your authentic, bold self without having to pretend to be “one of the guys.”  Look for clients, colleagues and companies/firms who will value, rather than just tolerate, your diverse perspective.  And, be sure to make space to allow others who may find themselves the “only one like them” in the room to be themselves, too. Value their diverse voice as much as your own.

What role has mentoring played in your career?

I’ve had some fantastic mentors, many of whom were women, and all of whom have modeled different ways to be successful in this industry.  They’ve been wonderful teachers, sounding boards, advocates, clients and friends over the years.  I think only one of them was actually an assigned mentor under a formal mentoring program. The rest of the relationships all formed organically.  I’ve found that everyone is busy and, despite best intentions, may not remember to make time in their day to mentor you. But, if you seek out those relationships and initiate conversations, most people are more than happy to grab a coffee, offer advice and share their experiences, and over time develop into wonderful mentors and sponsors.

What do you enjoy most about your role? Least?

I love being part of the team that closes a deal, working closely with colleagues and clients to problem solve and get across the finish line.  My favorite deals are ones in which the borrower and lender are both rowing in the same direction toward closing—with some good negotiation on key issues, but without hostility or unnecessary over-complication.  I also like that I’m able to work on many different transactions for different clients at the same time; no two days are ever the same!  My least favorite is the unpredictability of my schedule and not being able to predict when the peaks or valleys will hit.

How do you balance work/personal time? 

My balance is constantly changing based on the needs of my family, my clients and my sanity.  But one constant is that I have learned to ask for and accept help, both at work and at home, so I can prioritize what’s truly important and requires my attention without letting other things that still need doing (but can probably be done by someone else) fall through the cracks. I really enjoy what I do and take tremendous personal satisfaction and happiness from my work, and I think that helps things feel more in balance for me.  Working remotely during the pandemic, while certainly coming with its own challenges, has also had its upsides.  The added flexibility has been great, and there’s nothing better than a hug from my 4-year-old in the middle of a tough work day to help me feel reinvigorated.