Donald Cooley is a member of the Finance Department and the Private Equity Finance Practice. He focuses on representing private equity clients in subscription credit facilities.

Mr. Cooley represents borrowers in secured and unsecured lending and other financing transactions, including:

  • Private equity and private debt subscription lines of credit
  • ESG-linked credit facilities
  • Acquisition and carve-out financings
  • Debt restructurings

He thrives on the complexity of large-scale finance transactions, develops long-term relationships with clients, and brings a very commercial approach to his representations.

In addition to his commercial work, Mr. Cooley serves on the Associates Committee. He served as a Global Chair of Latham’s First Generation Professionals Affinity Group from 2018-2021 and as a member of the firm’s Pro Bono Committee. He maintains an active pro bono practice, regularly advising non-profits on corporate governance issues and individual clients on legally changing their gender identify or name.

Outside of Latham, Mr. Cooley is a member of the Fund Finance Association’s Diversity Committee. He was awarded the organization’s Diversity in Fund Finance Award in 2022, and the Inaugural Rising Star Award in 2020. He is also an active alum of Sponsors for Educational Opportunities.

Mr. Cooley regularly advises clients including:

  • Ares Management
  • Energy Capital Partners
  • Great Hill Partners
  • L Catterton
  • Onex Corporation
  • The Carlyle Group

Bar Qualification

  • District of Columbia
  • New York

Education

  • JD, New York University School of Law, 2015
  • BA in Political Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 2012