Kathryn I. Johnstone, a partner in the firm’s Business Department, has broad experience in all aspects of debt financing, including acquisition financing, asset-based lending, senior notes, subordinated notes, convertible debt, real estate financing, and letter-of-credit transactions. Ms. Johnstone has represented agents, lenders, and borrowers in structuring and documenting secured loans, first lien and second lien loans, venture loans, and subordinated, high yield, and convertible debt. She has led several successful out-of-court debt and equity restructurings. She has been active in mergers and acquisitions, including negotiating and documenting purchases and sales of entities and divisions and financing mergers and acquisitions. She has extensive experience in analyzing and negotiating the purchase and sale of distressed debt, trade claims, and accounts receivable. Ms. Johnstone has worked with a variety of industries, including hotel and gaming, technology, dental practice management, e-commerce, mail pre-sorting, telecommunications, and real estate development.

Ms. Johnstone graduated from Harvard Law School, cum laude, in 1986. Prior to entering law school, she practiced as a C.P.A., including two years with KPMG Peat, Marwick’s Los Angeles tax department. Ms. Johnstone received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Walla Walla University, summa cum laude, in 1979 and received an M.B.A. degree from Golden Gate University, with highest honors, in 1983.

Ms. Johnstone was named a 2008 and 2009 Best Lawyer in America in the field of Banking Law. She 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 (1994-1997). She is also a member of the Financial Lawyers Conference and served on the Board of Directors of that organization (2000-2003).