Cleary Strengthens Private Equity Capabilities in Debt Finance Practice with Ben Persina

Cleary Gottlieb announced today that Ben Persina joined the firm as a partner in its Global Debt Finance practice with a focus on private equity transactions.

He is based in Washington, D.C.

“Growing alongside our clients has always been central to how we operate, and expanding our U.S. private equity platform is a natural extension of that commitment,” said Cleary Managing Partner Jeff Karpf. “Ben brings outstanding depth in private equity transactions, making him an immediate asset to clients and further positioning us to deliver comprehensive advice to our clients.”

Before joining Cleary, Ben was a partner at a large international law firm. He has extensive experience in representing private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies, as well as public and private companies, in a variety of secured lending, direct lending, syndicated lending, liability management, restructuring, and other financing transactions.

“Ben’s skillset makes him a strong fit for our debt finance and private equity teams,” said Meme Peponis, partner and co-leader of Cleary’s Americas Private Equity Transactions practice. “His breadth of private equity experience will complement the depth we have already built across corporate finance, fund finance, and private credit and capital solutions, and positions our team to better serve clients in virtually any transaction they may pursue.”

Ben joins an experienced and nationally ranked group of private equity practitioners. Cleary has been recognized by Chambers USA as an elite firm handling private equity transactions in 2026, receiving leading rankings in Private Equity: Buyouts and Private Equity: Carve-outs.

“It’s an honor to join Cleary at an important time for the firm’s debt finance and private equity practices,” said Ben. “The firm has built a reputation not only for the quality of its work but also for its entrepreneurial and team-oriented culture. I’m excited to work alongside a talented group of lawyers to deliver the highest-quality results for our clients.”