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Karen Buzard

Partner

Email

Karen.Buzard@aoshearman.com

Phone

+1 212 756 1115

Offices

New York

V-CARD
Karen advises on a broad range of transactional law issues, specializing in banking and finance. 

As part of Markets Innovation Group, a group of lawyers and developers who are focused on the creation of innovative solutions for clients to meet large-scale legal and regulatory challenges, she specializes in delivering technology and resourcing solutions to our clients for our U.S. banking practice. In addition, Karen is a core member and heads up the US banking efforts on the firm’s cross-border working group focused on helping clients navigate and prepare for the impact and implications of a transition away from LIBOR.

Her expertise includes extensive knowledge and use of various types of legal technologies, including artificial intelligence, document automation and deal management platforms. Her legal background covers the full spectrum of secured and unsecured corporate debt finance as well as other transaction matters. Karen is admitted to practice in New York and received a BS from Fordham University and her JD from Fordham University School of Law.

Experience

Representative matters

Karen has helped develop the following proprietary A&O tools:

IBOR Matrix- a system designed to facilitate the transition away from LIBOR and other interest rates, involving a cutting edge approach to the use of artificial intelligence;

Contract matrix – a system that assists with AI powered contract review, document automation and legal operations and risk management.

 

Pro bono

Advising small businesses on corporate matters at Goldman Sachs Virtual Legal Clinic.

Published Work

  • Co-author, "Recurring Revenue Financings: Market Update," The Legal 500: Acquisition Finance Comparative Guide, 2024
  • Co-author, “Structuring and Restructuring European Leveraged Finance Transactions," Thomson Reuters Practical Law, 2021

Speaking Engagements

  • Generative AI and the Law - Global Counsel Leaders, June 2023  
  • Panel Speaker on Technology, Loan Syndication and Trade Association Operational Conferences, April 2019
  • Technology Vendor Presenter, Loan Syndication and Trade Association LIBOR Remediation Series, October 2021

Qualifications

Admissions

Registered Foreign Lawyer, England and Wales, 2024

Admitted: Bar of the State of New York, 2003

Academic

J.D., Fordham University School of Law, 2002

B.S., Fordham University, 1998

Disclaimer
A&O Shearman was formed on May 1, 2024 by the combination of Shearman & Sterling LLP and Allen & Overy LLP and their respective affiliates (the legacy firms). Any matters referred to above may include matters undertaken by one or more of the legacy firms rather than A&O Shearman.