Kathy Johnstone has broad experience in all aspects of debt financing, and specializes in representing public companies with multiple issues of outstanding debt. She has extensive expertise in acquisition financing, high-yield and investment-grade public debt offerings, and syndicated credit agreements.
Ms. Johnstone’s approach to client service is to focus on her clients’ business objectives, and immerse herself in all aspects of an entity’s capital structure. She structures transactions to minimize execution risk, takes a results-oriented approach, and is adept at problem solving.
Ms. Johnstone has represented administrative agents, lenders, and borrowers in structuring and documenting secured loans, first-lien and second-lien loans, venture loans, and subordinated debt, and has represented issuers and underwriters in high-yield, investment-grade, and convertible debt. She has substantial experience in cross-border financing and companies with worldwide operations. She has worked with private equity funds from initial investment through investment realization, and has worked with start-up ventures with a grow-through acquisition strategy. She has led successful out-of-court debt and equity restructurings.
Ms. Johnstone has several long-standing relationships where she serves as lead outside counsel on all debt financings for the client. Ms. Johnstone has represented clients in a variety of industries, including hotel and gaming, technology, public utilities, dental practice management, telecommunications, banking and real estate development.
Ms. Johnstone is a member of the American Bar Association and the California State Bar Association, and served on the Uniform Commercial Code Committee of the State Bar from 1994 to 1997. She is also a member of the Financial Lawyers Conference, and served on the board of directors of that organization from 2000 to 2003.
Prior to entering law school, Ms. Johnstone practiced as a C.P.A., including two years with KPMG Peat Marwick’s Los Angeles tax department.