Bernard Funk

Bernard Funk is counsel in Willkie’s Finance Department. He is based in the Firm's Chicago office. 

Bern has represented both banks and non-bank lenders, including business development companies (BDCs), small business investment companies (SBICs) and private credit funds, in a variety of debt finance transactions.  In his bank finance practice, he has represented lead arrangers, agents and lenders in both investment grade and leveraged syndicated and bilateral facilities, including acquisition and bridge financings.  In his private credit and direct lending practice, Bern has advised lenders executing debt financing transactions in the sponsor-backed acquisition, leveraged buyout and recapitalization contexts.  Bern’s private credit and direct lending experience covers the full range of debt capital structures, including senior secured, unitranche (“first out, last out”), first lien-second lien and mezzanine structures.  He has also represented direct lending clients in workout and distressed restructuring situations.
_{* Admitted only to the North Carolina Bar. Practicing under the supervision of members of the Illinois Bar.}