From navigating complex transactions as a junior associate at Cadwalader to leading innovative financing solutions at Bank of America, Bryan Kearns, now Managing Director – Head of Subscription Finance Group at Bank of America, has built a career defined by diligence, collaboration, and curiosity.
In this Alumni Spotlight, Bryan sits down with Tim Hicks, current partner and Co-Head of the Fund Finance Group at Cadwalader, to reflect on his career journey, the mentors who shaped his leadership style, and how his time at Cadwalader continues to influence his approach to teamwork, problem-solving, and professional growth.
Time at Cadwalader
What was the biggest learning curve that you had to overcome when you first started?
Bryan Kearns: I would break it down into two parts. The first was learning the Cadwalader processes and protocols, including the individuals to reach out to and connect with for driving a transaction to closing. For example, the parties you would need to go to for opinion review and sign-off.
The second was gaining an understanding of all the ancillary or constituent documents that were required to be assembled and executed prior to a trade’s closing. I think in achieving both of those, the former was accomplished by connecting with and seeking guidance from mid-level and junior associates. As for learning all of the constituent and ancillary transaction documents, that came from spending evenings with the paralegals who were assembling the closing binders.
To me, those were probably the most difficult things starting out as a junior associate; learning your way around the organization and understanding what materials are required to bring the transaction to closing.
Read more here.
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