R. Kader Crawford
Partner
Kader focuses his practice on commercial lending, corporate finance, and private equity transactions, including representing bank and non-bank lenders, private equity sponsors, and other public and private companies in connection with a variety of complex financing transactions.
Kader represents money center banks and non-bank institutional lenders in connection with a variety of acquisition financings and cross-border transactions, including senior secured cash flow and asset-based credit facilities, unitranche financings, stretch senior financings as well as mezzanine and second lien facilities. Kader also represents borrowers and private equity firms in a variety of complex financing transactions and general corporate matters. His practice focuses primarily on the middle market but also covers a broad range of the lending market from bi-lateral middle market acquisition financings to broadly syndicated credit facilities for larger private and public companies.
Kader’s representative clients include money center banks, non-bank direct lenders, commercial and investment banks, private equity firms, and private and public corporations.
Prior to joining Winston & Strawn, Kader was a certified public accountant with a big four accounting firm. Kader frequently leverages his accounting and tax experience in providing comprehensive “business oriented” solutions for his clients.
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Banking and Finance Law, 2025
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, Banking and Finance Law and Corporate Law, 2021–2024
- Legal 500 US, “Key Lawyer,” Finance: Commercial Lending, 2024
- Lawdragon 500’s “X – The Next Generation,” 2023
Kader currently serves as chair of the communications committee on the board of the Middle Market Open, a Chicago based charity golf tournament benefiting the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois. He is also a member of the American Bar Association. Additionally, Kader is actively involved with several pro bono clients, including assisting non-profit lenders in setting up business structures and complying with lending regulations. Kader also assists local co-ops and non-profits of all types in forming their businesses or non-profit structures.
Credentials
Education
Kader received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina in 2005, M.S. from Wake Forest University in 2007, and J.D., high honors (Order of the Coif and staff writer for the North Carolina Law Review), from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 2013.
Admissions
- North Carolina
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