Biography of 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 whose work focuses on private credit and direct lending across domestic and cross-border transactions. He serves as the Global Head of Private Credit and Direct Lending at his firm, advising lenders, sponsors, and borrowers on complex financing matters. His practice includes special situations, debt restructurings, and bankruptcy-related transactions, as well as senior, mezzanine, subordinated, and unitranche facilities. He also advises on first- and second-lien structures. His work is guided by a practical and disciplined approach, helping clients understand legal structures clearly while keeping commercial objectives at the center of each transaction.
Focus on Private Credit and Lending Structures Gabriel has developed extensive experience across a wide range of private credit and direct lending structures. His work includes cash flow lending, asset-based lending, subscription line facilities, distressed debt, debtor-in-possession financing, and real estate finance arrangements. He has advised on buy-and-hold private credit strategies and on broadly syndicated finance transactions, giving him exposure to diverse deal profiles. This breadth allows him to support clients in both straightforward financings and highly complex matters. He regularly negotiates intercreditor and subordination agreements, approaching each matter with attention to detail and a clear understanding of market practice.
Transactional Approach and Client Support Gabriel approaches each transaction by first understanding the client’s broader goals and constraints. He recognizes that financing decisions often involve long-term strategic considerations, not just legal mechanics. By staying closely involved throughout the transaction lifecycle, he helps clients anticipate potential challenges and address them early. His guidance emphasizes clarity, careful structuring, and realistic expectations. Rather than relying on overly complex solutions, he focuses on approaches that align with market norms and client priorities. This measured style allows clients to navigate financing transactions with greater confidence and a clear understanding of both risk and opportunity.
Global Perspective and Cross-Border Insight Gabriel Yomi Dabiri brings a global perspective to his practice through dual qualification and sustained international experience. He is admitted to practice law in New York and in England and Wales, and he has lived and worked across major financial centers in North America, Europe, and Asia. He divides his professional time among these regions, which has shaped his understanding of cross-border finance and multi-jurisdictional transactions. This experience allows him to coordinate matters governed by different legal systems while maintaining consistency in execution. His global outlook helps clients manage jurisdictional complexity while remaining attentive to local legal and commercial considerations.
Early Career Development Gabriel began his legal career in London after completing his legal education, where he trained at an international law firm and gained early exposure to complex finance transactions. During this period, he developed a strong foundation in transaction structuring and cross-border matters. He later continued building his practice at another global platform within a banking and finance team, where he deepened his involvement in private credit work. These early experiences played a key role in shaping his analytical discipline and practical mindset, which continue to influence how he approaches complex financings and advises clients today.
Growth in Private Credit Practice Gabriel later joined a firm expanding its private credit capabilities, allowing him further to develop his experience in this evolving area of finance. His work during this phase included advising on increasingly sophisticated transactions and building long-term client relationships. He gained practical insight into how private credit strategies operate over time, particularly in dynamic market conditions. This period strengthened his ability to guide clients through both growth-oriented financings and more challenging situations. His experience during these years reinforced the importance of adaptability, clear communication, and careful risk assessment in private credit transactions.
Building a Practice and Leadership Role Gabriel Yomi Dabiri was later offered the opportunity to build a private credit and cross-border finance practice from the ground up at a national firm. This role required him to combine legal expertise with strategic planning and team development. In addition to maintaining an active practice, he took on leadership responsibilities within the New York office. During this time, he oversaw significant growth and operational expansion, balancing client service with organizational needs. This experience enhanced his understanding of leadership within a professional services environment and reinforced the value of thoughtful planning, collaboration, and steady execution.
Education and Legal Foundation Gabriel earned an undergraduate degree in economics and political science, reflecting an early interest in financial systems and public policy. He later completed a law degree with honors, establishing a strong legal foundation for his finance-focused career. His academic background supports his ability to analyze complex financial arrangements and understand how legal frameworks interact with economic considerations. This combination of education and practical experience has shaped his structured approach to advising clients, allowing him to address both legal detail and broader financial context in a clear and balanced manner.
Dual Qualification and Cross-Jurisdictional Work Gabriel holds dual qualifications as an attorney in New York and as a solicitor in England and Wales, a background that has proven valuable in global finance transactions. The laws of these jurisdictions govern many international financings, and his qualifications allow him to advise on such matters with consistency and depth. This capability supports his work on multi-jurisdictional transactions and cross-border restructurings. His experience helps clients navigate differing legal regimes while maintaining alignment across transaction documents and commercial objectives, reducing friction and supporting smoother execution.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement Gabriel Yomi Dabiri remains actively engaged in philanthropy and community service alongside his professional practice. He has served on boards and committees, supporting initiatives focused on economic empowerment, and has contributed his time and legal insight to volunteer efforts related to health-focused programs. His involvement reflects a commitment to using professional skills in support of broader community goals. He views service as an extension of professional responsibility and believes that contributing beyond client matters is essential to sustaining a healthy, responsible professional community.
Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing Gabriel is also committed to mentoring professionals and sharing knowledge within the legal and financial communities. Drawing on years of transactional and leadership experience, he supports the development of others by offering practical guidance and perspective. He values thoughtful growth, open communication, and ethical practice, and he encourages these principles in those he mentors. Through mentorship and engagement, he seeks to contribute to a profession that values steady development, sound judgment, and long-term responsibility, reinforcing the importance of integrity and clarity in complex financial and legal work.