Skadden is pleased to announce that Scott Heard and Matthew Murphy have joined its market-leading Finance and Corporate Restructuring Groups, respectively, further strengthening the firm’s private credit and restructuring capabilities. Having worked together closely at another prominent global law firm, Mr. Heard and Mr. Murphy provide integrated service across complex debt financing transactions, including acquisition financings, recapitalizations, restructurings and liability management exercises.
Based in New York, Mr. Heard will lead Skadden’s private credit practice and has a wealth of private credit experience, advising private credit lenders and other financial institutions on a broad spectrum of sophisticated private credit transactions, including acquisition financings, asset-backed and cash flow loans and special situations financings.
Mr. Murphy rejoins Skadden in Chicago, where he will advise distressed companies, creditors, lenders, hedge funds and asset managers on insolvency-related transactions and liability management exercises. He has extensive experience in all aspects of capital structure management, including out-of-court and Chapter 11 restructurings, distressed asset acquisitions and investments and post-petition financing.
“Scott’s proven track record of advising lenders and alternative capital sources combined with Matt’s experience handling high-profile restructurings will further enhance our ability to deliver creative, effective full-scale solutions to clients navigating complex financial challenges,” said Jeremy London, Skadden executive partner. “They join us at an exciting time of strategic growth for the firm, and we are thrilled to welcome them.”
“Skadden’s Finance Group is an industry leader in high-stakes deals and offers an outstanding platform to expand my work in private credit transactions,” said Mr. Heard. “I am excited to join such a talented team and look forward to collaborating with Matt and my new colleagues to achieve exceptional results for our clients. Together, we will continue to support their needs through every stage of the financing process.”
“I am honored to rejoin Skadden’s renowned restructuring group,” said Mr. Murphy. “The firm’s commitment to excellence and its collaborative culture are unmatched, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such esteemed colleagues as we help clients address their most difficult challenges.”
Mr. Heard received his J.D. from the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School and his B.S. from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Mr. Murphy has been recognized by Chambers USA, IFLR1000, Legal 500 and Best Lawyers as a leading restructuring lawyer. He earned his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and his B.A. from the University of Michigan.
Read The American Lawyer’s coverage of Skadden’s announcement that Mr. Heard and Mr. Murphy have joined the firm: “Skadden Recruits Debt Financing Duo From Paul Hastings,” March 12, 2026.