The Firm: This team has one of the premier practices in Boston for multitranche financing, and clients seek it out for its renowned expertise in mezzanine debt matters. The work of the team extends beyond state level and is truly a national and international practice. It regularly represents such prominent clients as Sankaty, Barclays Capital and Morgan Stanley. Interviewees say they appreciate the breadth and depth of expertise the team can offer.

Sources Say: "They're partners, not just a service provider. They tell us the situation then help us whittle the options down until we get a workable solution."

Key Individuals: Steven Ellis is held in high regard by market commentators. Sources are quick to emphasize his extensive experience in the junior capital space, saying: "He's very in tune to market developments, so if we're negotiating he can bring his experience to bear and apply the trends to current deals."

Peter Antoszyk combines a successful bankruptcy and restructuring practice with finance work to provide clients with comprehensive and strategic counsel. Notable recent work includes his representation of TPG in a high-value unitranche financing in the healthcare space.

The specialties of Stephen Boyko are numerous and his practice covers acquisition financing, LBOs and junior capital. He works with Morgan Stanley on mezzanine loan work.

Gary Creem makes his debut in the rankings this year, and has worked with Sankaty on a complex financing project. Market opinion attests to his calming and patient demeanor: "He never gets flustered and he never gets mad at anybody; he's reasonable. Just what we need to get the deal done."