Davis Polk partner Hilary Dengel was profiled in the Secured Lender’s Women in Secured Finance issue, which celebrates the remarkable contributions of the top women in the industry.

Offering advice to women early in their careers, Hilary said, “Get to know your peers in the industry. It’s often those relationships developed ‘in the trenches’ that are the most meaningful as you become a more senior practitioner.” She continued, “Find small ways to stay in touch with people you enjoy working with – whether it be forwarding interesting articles or a quick email if you see someone closed an interesting transaction – the small things add up over time, and you never know who may be a client down the road.”

Discussing the role mentorship has played in her career, Hilary commented, “It’s worth noting that some of my biggest mentors and sponsors have styles, personalities and backgrounds very different from my own. I often tell younger lawyers that your best teachers and backers might come from unexpected sources in your career, so keep an open mind and be willing to engage with those who are willing to invest in you.”

Hilary said that the part of her job that she enjoys the most is “the relationships I’ve developed over the years, whether with my colleagues, my clients or other professionals, [they] are what bring the most joy to my practice. On the technical side, I enjoy getting to know my clients’ businesses and the plans for any investment. When you really understand what a given business needs and the industry that it is operating in, you can use practical examples to bridge the gap in negotiations. It’s incredibly satisfying to know that we planned for a certain transaction when crafting a covenant package and then were able to execute on the strategy seamlessly under the documents.”

“Recognizing Excellence: Hilary Dengel,” The Secured Lender (March 12, 2024)

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