Ben Leese

Client Work

• Represented a leading global investment management firm, specializing in alternative investments, on over 30 middle-market mezzanine, second-lien, senior-secured and preferred equity transactions.
• Represented a global provider of private capital on over 10 middle-market mezzanine, Holdco PIK, second-lien and NAV transactions.
• Represented a luxury real estate developer in connection with a $69m million construction financing facility for the development of a newly constructed resort in Costa Rica.
• Represented an insurance company in the issuance of $100 million in unsecured notes and the contribution of the proceeds thereof via surplus note to the regulated vehicle.
• Represented a private office/private equity sponsor in connection with the financing of the carveout acquisition of a major domestic fastener distributor (total committed financing between $250 million and $500 million).
• Represented a private equity sponsor in connection with the club financing of the acquisition of one of the world’s largest providers of communications services to hospitality venues and conference centers (financing between $100 million and $200 million).
• Represented a direct lender in connection with the financing of the acquisition of a leading international provider of IT management and implementation services.
• Represented a seafood production company in the negotiation of first lien accordion and revolver repricing amendments in connection with the repayment of its second lien term loans (resulting first lien financing between $500 million and $1 billion).
• Represented a business development company and its subsidiaries in the refinancing of their existing credit facilities with a $195 million term loan, a $390 million revolving credit facility and $500 million of senior secured notes.
• Represented a U.S.-based private equity sponsor in connection with the financing of its acquisition of an international U.K.-based recruitment company, and subsequent refinancing of its ABL facility (financing between $100 million and $250 million).
• Represented a lender in connection with a business development company’s $100 million revolving credit facility (with an accordion feature to $300 million).

Publications, Presentations & Recognitions

• “Pocket MBA for Lawyers: Leveraging Financial Definitions and Covenants,” American College of Investment Counsel, Spring Investment Forum (2025)
• “Lending to Private Equity: Opportunities and Challenges,” American College of Investment Counsel, Fall Annual Meeting and Education Conference (2023)
• “The Global Private Credit Market: 2019 Update,” The ICLG to: Lending and Secured Finance Laws and Regulations (Lending and Secured Finance 2019)
• “Did You Just Commit to a Financing Without Realizing It?,” (co-author) Dechert Global Private Equity Newsletter (Winter/Spring 2018 edition)

Professional and Civic Activities

• Represented the leading scholastic chess program in the country in its incorporation as a 501(3)(c).
• Represented a New York-based organization focusing on the provision of mentoring and networking opportunities for minority entrepreneurs in connection with a proposed minority investment.
• Represented a community organization formed to reduce the incidence of gun-crime in South Brooklyn in its organizational activities.
• Provided volunteer immigration services in the aftermath of the 2010 Haitian earthquake.

Boards, Memberships & Certifications

• “On the Roll,” Solicitors of the Supreme Court of England and Wales (2006-Present)

Life Beyond the Law

Ben is a keen amateur distance runner. He has won the Brooklyn marathon twice, has competed in the UTMB World Series Finals and is now focused on staying ahead of his kids for as long as possible.