Holland & Knight Welcomes Leading Finance Attorney Wade Kennedy in Chicago

CHICAGO (October 13, 2022) – Wade Kennedy, a highly-regarded lawyer who focuses on asset-based lending and syndicated financings, has joined Holland & Knight as a partner in the firm's Chicago office. He will be co-chair of the firm's Asset-Based Lending Team along with Christopher Dillon in Atlanta. Mr. Kennedy was previously the head of the asset-based lending group at McGuireWoods LLP.

"Wade has a national reputation as a leading commercial finance lawyer, assisting many of the country's largest and most active asset-based lenders," said Jose Sirven, leader of Holland & Knight's Business Section. "His experience structuring and closing some of the most complex credit facilities sets him apart from his peers and makes him a terrific addition to our finance practices in Chicago and the firm."

"In addition to his extensive experience with sophisticated finance transactions, Wade has an impressive record of leadership and team building," said Cindy Brazell, who co-chairs the firm's Financial Services Practice Group. "We are extremely pleased to have such a multitalented lawyer join our team."

Mr. Kennedy primarily represents large financial institutions in single lender, club and syndicated asset based credit facilities, with a focus on larger sponsor related acquisition transactions, as well as multi-currency and cross border financings. He has been involved in asset-based lending transactions ranging in size from $40 million to $5 billion and spanning various industries, including manufacturing, trucking, food products, lender finance, retail, beverage and energy.

In addition to traditional asset-based lending financings, Mr. Kennedy regularly documents complex intercreditor arrangements, unitranche facilities, pooled receivables financings, lender finance facilities and reserve-based and midstream energy credit facilities.

Mr. Kennedy served on the board of directors of the Secured Finance Foundation for many years and was chairman of the Development Committee from 2017-2019. He is currently a member of the Nominating Committee for the Foundation.

"Holland & Knight's expansive asset-based lending capabilities and relationships with some of the most sophisticated lenders across the country make it the ideal place for my practice to thrive," said Mr. Kennedy. "Over the years, I've worked with several Holland & Knight finance attorneys and I know that they share my strong commitment to client service and enthusiasm for innovative legal counsel."

Mr. Kennedy earned a J.D. degree from the University of Michigan Law School and a B.A. degree from St. Lawrence University. He is admitted to practice law in Illinois and North Carolina.

With nearly 200 members throughout the firm, Holland & Knight's Financial Services Team effectively assists borrowers and lenders with all of their legal needs. With lawyers located in almost every major U.S. market, the team regularly advises financial industry clients on their most sophisticated transactions, including asset-based lending, syndicated loans, structured finance, public finance, derivatives, capital markets, insurance, project finance, and real estate and healthcare finance. The team also includes skilled litigators and counsel in the area of white collar defense and regulatory compliance.

About Holland & Knight LLP: Holland & Knight is a global law firm with approximately 1,700 lawyers and other professionals in 32 offices throughout the world. The firm's lawyers provide representation in litigation, business, real estate and governmental law. Interdisciplinary practice groups and industry-based teams provide clients with efficient access to attorneys throughout the firm. www.hklaw.com