Haynes and Boone, LLP Partners Laura Martone and Erin Simmons were profiled in The Secured Lender’s Women in Secured Finance issue, which features leading finance lawyers worldwide and was published Mar. 8, 2023 by the Secured Finance Network.
Below are excerpts of the profiles, which include detailed Q&As with the lawyers:
Laura Martone, New York-based finance partner:
Laura focuses her practice on oil and gas finance, renewable energy, and commodities trading, along with general financial transactions and real estate lending. She represents financial institutions, other lenders, sponsors and borrowers in connection with the structuring, negotiation and documentation of secured and unsecured credit transactions, including asset-based loans, acquisition financings, project financings, term loans, working capital loans, commodity financings, oil and gas secured financings and intercreditor arrangements. Laura also represents borrowers and lenders in out-of-court restructurings and bankruptcy proceedings. She has practiced in New York, California and Texas. . . .
What advice would you offer to women just starting out in the industry?
You are responsible for, and in charge of, your own career. A senior partner in my firm told me this when I was just starting out. At the time, it was somewhat hard for me to comprehend
because, for the most part, I was taking direction from partners and more senior attorneys. But, looking back, I would say don’t hesitate to seek out the type of work you want to do, ask as many questions as you need to, and make sure you steer your career in the direction you want it to go. I have been lucky to have practiced at firms and had mentors that support this type of growth and independence.
To read the full profile on page 49, click here.
Erin Simmons, Denver-based finance partner:
Erin has as a broad lending practice representing both commercial banks and non-bank lenders, as well as sponsors and private and public company borrowers in asset-based loans, cash flow loans, and acquisition financing. Erin has been recognized by clients as “a dedicated professional who strives to add value at every stage of a transaction” and as “very knowledgeable and responsive” (Chambers USA 2022). Erin was recognized in Chambers USA, Chambers and Partners, in Banking & Finance, 2021-2022, and selected as a “Top Lawyer – Banking,” by 5280 Magazine for 2022. . . .
What advice would you offer to women just starting out in the industry?
Before leaving an organization or a role, ask yourself what you would need to make that organization or role work for you. It may be something you need from your boss, or it may be something you need from your spouse. It might also be something that you don’t need to
ask someone else for but simply need to take for yourself.
To read the full profile on page 50, click here
Haynes Boone’s Finance Practice develops innovative and sophisticated financing vehicles that factor in your risk tolerance and your business strategy. The team takes a pragmatic approach, clearing the roadblocks on clients’ path to success. According to a client study conducted by Chambers USA, 2021 (Chambers and Partners), the firm’s finance lawyers are “practical and seek to find good solutions, not just check boxes.”
