Gabriel Yomi Dabiri
Global Head of Private Credit and Direct Lending at Squire Patton Boggs
Gabriel Yomi Dabiri is a finance attorney based in New York, currently serving as the Global Head of Private Credit and Direct Lending at Squire Patton Boggs. In this role, he advises on a variety of finance transactions, covering domestic and international financing matters, special situations, debt restructuring, and bankruptcy-related issues.
His work includes structuring and advising on senior, mezzanine, and subordinated loans, unitranche facilities, and both first- and second-lien arrangements. He also has experience with cash flow lending, asset-based lending (ABL), subscription lines, distressed debt, debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing, and real estate finance.
He has developed a strong foundation in both private credit “buy-and-hold” strategies and broadly syndicated finance. This background enables him to represent lenders, sponsors, and corporate borrowers in transactions ranging from standard financings to complex, high-value deals.
Career and Leadership in Private Credit
Gabriel is focused on growing the global Private Credit and Direct Lending practice at his current firm. Drawing on a thorough understanding of transactional mechanics and market behavior, he regularly advises clients on complex matters, including intercreditor agreements, subordination structures, and challenging debt restructurings and bankruptcies.
He emphasizes a practical, client-focused approach, offering financial solutions that balance technical knowledge and commercial awareness. This helps clients manage risk while achieving their broader financing goals.
Global Experience and Cross-Border Capability
Gabriel Yomi Dabiri holds dual qualifications, licensed to practice in New York and as a solicitor in England and Wales. He has lived and worked in major financial centers, including New York, London, and Singapore. His global exposure allows him to approach multi-jurisdictional finance deals with a deep understanding of both local and international legal frameworks.
Career Path
He began his legal journey in London after law school, training with the international law firm Linklaters across its London, Singapore, and New York offices. He later joined White & Case LLP as an associate in the Banking and Finance group. During his time there, he secured his first major private credit client as a fifth-year associate. He considers these early experiences essential to developing his legal and analytical skills.
In 2016, he transitioned to Morrison and Foerster, a firm more active in the private credit space at the time. Later, he was invited to establish a Private Credit and Cross-Border Finance practice at Polsinelli, a national law firm. He also served as the Managing Partner of the firm’s New York office from September 2021 to April 2025. Under his leadership, the office’s headcount grew by 83%, necessitating the lease of additional space. He played a key role in designing the expanded office. He named its main multipurpose room “The Big Apple,” a space used for firm events and international visits, including one by the Queen and Princess of Sweden.
In April 2025, he accepted his current role at Squire Patton Boggs. Based in the New York City Metropolitan Area, he is responsible for expanding the firm’s Global Private Credit and Direct Lending platform across its 48 offices worldwide, offering strategic advice and legal guidance tailored to market needs.
Education and Dual Qualification
Gabriel earned a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania in 2000, followed by an LL.B (Hons) in Law from Cardiff University in 2008. His dual qualification has been instrumental in executing transactions governed by New York and English law, two of the most commonly used legal systems in global finance. This ability allows him to manage sophisticated cross-border transactions and structures across various jurisdictions.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Beyond his legal practice, Gabriel Yomi Dabiri is involved in community service and philanthropic work. From March 2018 to March 2025, he served on the Board and Finance Committee of Women First International Fund, contributing to economic empowerment programs. He has also supported the American Heart Association’s Council for a Cause since September 2020, lending his legal expertise to health-focused initiatives.
Innovative Finance Strategies
His work reflects a blend of innovation and strategic insight. By aligning financial solutions with market dynamics, he helps clients achieve their goals, even in complex or challenging deal environments. His grasp of intricate private credit and cross-border matters allows him to craft approaches that meet specific transaction needs.
Global Perspective with Practical Insight
Gabriel Yomi Dabiri is among the few finance professionals whose experience spans key global markets. This perspective allows him to guide cross-border transactions, restructurings, and lending deals that demand both local and international expertise. Clients benefit from his ability to integrate jurisdiction-specific rules into broader strategic frameworks.
Gabriel also dedicates time to mentoring others and contributing to efforts that promote knowledge-sharing within the finance and legal sectors. Through his work, he continues to shape the evolving landscape of private credit and international finance with integrity and thoughtful leadership.
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