James Bedotto, a finance partner, has joined Foley & Lardner in Dallas from Kirkland & Ellis. He joins the firm’s finance practice, where he will focus on advising private equity sponsors, financial institutions and corporate borrowers on complex debt finance transactions, according to a news release.
Before joining Foley, Bedotto practiced at Kirkland for four years, where he advised clients on a broad range of commercial and structured finance matters. Before that, he practiced at Baker Botts for a year and at Thompson & Knight for almost seven years, where he started his career.
“We are intentionally building our national corporate platform in the areas where our clients need us most, and the addition of James and John reflects that focused investment,” said Jim Peterson, chair of the firm’s corporate department. “James strengthens our complex debt finance capabilities, particularly with respect to private equity transactions, while John adds meaningful depth in fund structuring and transactional tax. Together, they expand our ability to support clients across the full lifecycle of complex transactions.”
Foley recorded $196.5 million in Texas revenue last year, a 17.1 percent increase over 2024, and reported a headcount of 149 lawyers, an increase of 4.2 percent, according to the Lawbook 50.
AREAS OF FOCUS
Bedotto represents private equity sponsors, financial institutions and corporate borrowers in complex financing transactions. His practice focuses on leveraged acquisition financings, refinancings, workouts and restructurings, with significant experience advising on upstream and midstream energy financings and private equity-backed credit facilities. He regularly represents both lenders and sponsors in sophisticated debt finance transactions.
EDUCATION
SMU Dedman School of Law (JD, 2014)
University of San Diego (BS, 2011)