Firms To Watch: Structured finance: securitization

Led by Los Angeles-based Deborah Festa, the team at Akin acts for collateral managers, issuers and investors in CLO transactions.
Praised as one of ‘the clear leaders in whole-business securitizations’, Ropes & Gray LLP’s practice is led by Boston-based Patricia Lynch and New York’s Christopher Poggi, who joined the firm from Paul, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in March 2022.  

Structured finance: securitization in United States

Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP

Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP houses a team of ‘top-notch advisors’ and represents investment banks, issuers, funds and private equity sponsors in structuring and executing transactions across a broad range of asset classes, including CMBS and CLOs. The practice, which sits within the firm’s robust capital markets group, is jointly led by New York-based Mike Gambro and Stuart Goldstein, who operates from the firm’s Charlotte office. Gambro is noted for his expertise in mortgage-backed securities, in addition to regulatory issues, while Goldstein is a standout figure in the commercial real estate and CRE CLO arenas. Based in Washington DC, Gregg Jubin focuses on asset-based finance transactions. In the firm’s New York office, other key contacts in the team include Neil Weidner, who has experience in the securitization of traditional and non-traditional credit assets, and associate Michelle Abad, who focuses on residential and other asset-backed structure finance transactions. Esoteric ABS expert Ryan McNaughton joined the New York team from King & Spalding LLP in April 2023.

Practice head(s):

Mike Gambro; Stuart Goldstein


Other key lawyers:

Neil Weidner; Gregg Jubin; Michelle Abad; Ryan McNaughton


Testimonials

‘Top-notch advisors. Excellent lawyers, savvy negotiators, commercial, results-oriented and trustworthy. Great partners and great team overall.’

 

Key clients

3650 REIT


BNP Paribas


Bryant Park Commercial Real Estate Partners


Citigroup


Deutsche Bank


FS Credit Real Estate Income Trust, Inc.


Goldman Sachs Bank USA


GreensLedge Capital Markets LLC


JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.


Morgan Stanley


MSR Asset Vehicle, LLC


PennyMac Loan Services, LLC


Värde Partners


Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Securities, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Advised Morgan Stanley on $220 million middle-market CLO transaction.
  • Represented Värde Partners on $400 million CRE CLO transaction.
  • Represented Wells Fargo in the securitization of a $1.5 billion mortgage loans to finance Blackstone’s acquisition of 43 multifamily affordable-housing properties.

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Praised as a ‘top-notch team, with knowledge, client service, productivity, efficiency and value’, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP frequently leverages the expertise of the firm’s restructuring, bankruptcy, M&A and energy groups to advise on distressed and rescue financings, as well as capital and fund formation and financing transactions. The team has demonstrable experience advising on master trust securitizations and blockchain originated consumer loans, in addition to litigation finance securitizations, auto loans and credit receivables. In the firm’s Richmond office, Mike Nedzbala, who is noted for his expertise in MSR transactions, jointly leads the practice alongside New York-based Brent Lewis, who handles regulatory compliance mandates. The New York office is also home to mortgage-related securitizations expert Thomas Hiner, ‘pragmaticEric Burner and ‘meticulousJohn Dedyo, who ‘has years of experience with securitizations backed by various different types of assets’. Based in Richmond, Amy Williams advises on structuring and closing asset-based finance transactions, while Cecelia Horner focuses on the income tax aspects of domestic and cross-border secured financings. New York-based Brit Mohler Dufilho and Washington DC’s Edward Douma, who ‘has worked on bespoke financings and securitizations’, are also key contacts in the group.


Practice head(s):

Mike Nedzbala; Brent Lewis


Other key lawyers:

Thomas Hiner; Eric Burner; John Dedyo; Amy Williams; Cecelia Horner; Edward Douma; Brit Dufilho; Eric Fidel


Testimonials

‘Top-notch team with knowledge, client service, productivity, efficiency, and value.’

‘They have been a constant presence in the RMBS securitization market since the 2008 financial crisis, working on the first post crisis, NPL, RPL and Non-QM securitizations. They have significant market knowledge and are prolific in this sector.’

‘Eric Burner is pragmatic and knows the issues to focus on. He is a can-do guy and is great at coming up with solutions needed to get a deal done.’

Key clients

Bank of America


Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.


Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae)


Angelo Gordon & Co., L.P.


MFA Financial


Capital One, National Association


Annaly Capital Management


Churchill Finance LLC


Reverse Mortgage Funding LLC


Ellington Management Group


Axonic Capital LLC


Pretium REO, LLC


Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)


Fifth Third Bank


Freedom Mortgage Corporation


Angel Oak


Work highlights


  • Representing multiple public electric and gas utilities in securitizations of their accounts receivable.
  • Advised Ginnie Mae in connection with 249 Multi-class Securities transactions, representing the issuance of more than $159 billion of government guaranteed REMIC securities backed by government-insured mortgage loans, including participations in government-insured reverse mortgage loans.
  • Represented the dealers/initial purchasers on each of the Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk (STACR) Notes transactions since the commencement of the program in 2013.

Mayer Brown

The ‘knowledgeable, practical and commercial’ practice at Mayer Brown ‘excels in finding workable solutions to unique issues arising from unique products in securitizations’. Key areas of expertise concern consumer asset classes, particularly auto and credit card ABS mandates, in addition to mortgage-backed securities and residential solar loans, whilst maintaining an active CLO and DCO practice. In the firm’s Chicago office, credit card securitization specialist Julie Gillespie jointly leads the team alongside Ger O’Donnell, who advises on warehouse financings, asset purchases and private placements. Based in New York, Paul Jorissen is praised as a ‘standout lawyer and advisor’, and handles mortgage-backed securities, while Ryan Suda represents underwriters, managers and investors on cash-flow CLOs of broadly syndicated loans. Key contacts in the firm’s Chicago office include Stuart Litwin, who is noted for his expertise in the auto ABS arena, Jon Van Gorp and Angela Ulum, who focuses on auto and equipment loans, leases and floorplan assets in transactions. New York-based Amanda Baker counts fintech entities among her key roster of clients and Chicago’s Jan Stewart focuses on matters concerning credit card ABS. Carol Hitselberger retired in December 2022.


Practice head(s):

Julie Gillespie; Ger O’Donnell


Other key lawyers:

Paul Jorissen; Ryan Suda; Stuart Litwin; Jon Van Gorp; Angela Ulum; Amanda Baker; Jan Stewart; Lindsay O’Neil; Joanna Nicholas


Testimonials

‘They are up to speed with all the latest trends and developments and have great market penetration, so nothing is ever new to them. They’ve seen it before.’

‘Angela Ulum and Lindsay O’Neil continue to provide truly outstanding structured finance support. They have a solid command on the latest disclosure trends in the auto securitization market.’

‘What I believe separates MB’s team is that they are innovative. They structure solutions even when the documents seem to make a solution difficult.’

‘Much higher attention to detail and understanding of the mechanics of documentation than other firms in the market.’

‘Ryan Suda and Joanna Nicholas are both highly responsive with great attention to detail. Have a great understanding of how the documents work and how everything fits together.’

‘Mayer Brown’s structured finance group is knowledgeable, practical and commercial. The team excels in finding workable solutions to unique issues arising from unique products in securitizations.’

‘Paul Jorissen is a standout lawyer and advisor. His practical problem-solving and deep knowledge base has made him a trusted advisor to our senior business leaders.’

Key clients

Discover


Redwood Trust


Square


Carrington Capital Management


LendingClub


Deephaven Mortgage LLC


Ready Capital Corporation


Upstart


Pretium Partners


Barclays


HPS Investment Partners


JPMorgan


Solar Mosaic


Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp


Santander Consumer USA Inc.


Synchrony Bank


MJX Asset Management LLC


Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP boasts a strong track record in asset- and mortgage-backed securities, acting for financial institutions, investment funds, and issuers across the financial services, automotive, education, fintech, government, real estate, telecommunications and technology sectors. In the firm’s New York office, practice leader Reed Auerbach acts for underwriters and issuers on public and private offerings of asset- and mortgage-backed securities involving a broad range of assets, while Matthew Joseph advises on structuring innovative transactions with new asset types, or unique cash-flow and tax structures. Based in Washington DC, Jeffrey Johnson handles public and private issuances of ABS and MBS transactions, with a strong focus in the real estate sector, while New York’s Steve Levitan counts auto loans and lease receivables, student loans, warehouse lending financings and residential solar panel installation financings in his workload. The firm’s Washington DC office is home to Asa Herald, who advises on RMBS transactions and credit card receivables, and Paul St. Lawrence, who is a key figure in the CLO and residential mortgage finance arenas. Other key contacts in the group include Washington DC-based Mark Riccardi and Chicago’s Jeffrey Weinstein.


Practice head(s):

Reed Auerbach; Mark Riccardi; Matthew Joseph; Jeffrey Weinstein


Other key lawyers:

Jeffrey Johnson; Steve Levitan; Asa Herald; Paul St. Lawrence


Key clients

Goldman Sachs


Jefferies & Co Inc.


Cerberus Capital Management, L.P.


Credit Suisse


Exeter Finance LLC


Royal Bank of Canada


Nomura Securities International Inc.


Bank of America


JPMorgan Chase


Deutsche Bank


Work highlights


  • Represented the initial purchasers, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc., and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., ​in a securitization involving an issuance of $1 billion of notes and certificates.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP offers a robust credit securitization practice, with demonstrable experience in commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities, in addition to transactions involving esoteric and PACE assets. Other key areas of expertise include auto loan securitization programs and aircraft pooled lease securitizations. In the firm’s New York office, Robert Moyle leads the team and acts as transaction and underwriters’ counsel on American Express’ registered and unregistered securitization transactions, while Leah Sanzari spearheads the esoteric ABS practice in both the private placement and 144A markets. The New York office is also home to Janet Barbiere, who advises on CMBS transactions, and Howard Goldwasser, who focuses on structuring US CLOs and CDOs. Washington DC-based Michael Mitchell is a key figure in the consumer ABS arena, leveraging previous experience at the US Securities and Exchange Commission. New York-based William Cullen and Washington DC’s Mitchell Naumoff, who handles credit card-backed securities and other consumer receivables, are also key contacts in the group.

Practice head(s):

Robert Moyle


Other key lawyers:

Leah Sanzari; Janet Barbiere; Howard Goldwasser; Michael Mitchell; William Cullen; Mitchell Naumoff


Key clients

Bank of America


Citigroup


Invictus Capital Partners


Morgan Stanley & Co.


Bank of Montreal


Rule 4(a)(2) ABS Investors (Oil and Gas Securitizations)


American Express


Rule 4(a)(2) ABS Investors (TV and Music Copyrights and Trademarks)


Issuer’s Counsel for C-PACE Originators


Nissan Auto ABS Underwriters


Ally Financial Underwriters


Centerline Logistics Corporation


Rule 4(a)(2) ABS Investors (Solar Farm Ground Leases)


Work highlights


  • Represented investors on the $125 million securitization by Syco Entertainment of intellectual property in the “Got Talent” franchise.
  • Represented the private placement ABS investors in connection with the rated $425 million tranche of a $750 million securitization of oil and gas well assets primarily on lands owned by the Bureau of Land Management, located in Wyoming’s Green River Basin and operated by Jonah Energy.

Allen & Overy LLP

The New York-based securitization practice at Allen & Overy LLP ‘has the experience and expertise to tackle any challenge with ingenuity and creativity’. Counting underwriters, arrangers and domestic and foreign issuers among its key roster of clients, the team is prominent in the CLO arena, advising investment banks in the development of CLOs and warehousing platforms, in addition to representing collateral managers in inaugural CLOs. Lawrence Berkovich, who advises on syndicated and mid-market CLOs, rated and unrated leveraged loan warehouse and structured term financing facilities, ‘runs an exceptional team of talented partners and associates’ alongside John Hwang and Christopher Jackson; Hwang’s practice covers credit card and aircraft securitizations. Senior counsel Derek Poon and associate Luke Maiman are also key contacts in the group. Nick Robinson and Tracy Feng have left for Paul Hastings LLP.


Practice head(s):

John Hwang; Lawrence Berkovich; Christopher Jackson


Other key lawyers:

Luke Maiman; Paul Walters; Derek Poon


Testimonials

‘Diversity, creativity and solution-driven.’

‘The team at A&O is extremely deep and knowledgeable. From senior partners Lawrence Berkovich, Nick Robinson and Chris Jackson to mid- and junior-level members, their market knowledge, understanding of legal trends and issues are best in class.’

‘Attention to detail, rigorous work ethic and ability to clearly articulate points and resolve issues are the primary characteristics of the team. Luke Maiman and Paul Walters are outstanding.’

Key clients

Natixis North America


Sound Point Capital Management


RBC Capital Markets


Neuberger Berman


Carvana


Toyota Motor Credit Corporation


TD Bank


EdgeConnexX Inc.


Radkl Technologies LLC


International Airlines Group (IAG)


Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)


J.P. Morgan Chase


Hannon Armstrong


Sunpower Corporation


Work highlights


  • Advising a range of clients, including Neuberger Berman, Sound Point Capital Management, and Elmwood Asset Management and other various investment/asset management firms as managers, in new issues, refinancing and reset CLO transactions.
  • Advising the Bank of America as arranger on various CLO transactions.
  • Advised EdgeConneX Inc in connection with its inaugural data center-backed Rule 144A securitization.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton’s ‘exceptional’ structured finance practice has demonstrable experience advising on CLOs and agency mortgage-backed securities, in addition to financings of land banking assets and tax receivable agreements. The practice is noted for its regulatory capability, advising on issues pertaining to the Dodd-Frank Act, in addition to compliance work concerning US and EU risk retention, the Volcker Rule and rating agency reforms. Based in Washington DC, the team is jointly led by Michael Mazzuchi and Macey Levington, who are praised as ‘extremely knowledgeable and great at getting to solutions’. Levington advises on CLOs and receivable securitizations, while Mazzuchi and Mitchell Dupler have considerable experience in mortgage-backed securitizations. John McGill focuses on the security-related aspects of corporate and financial transactions, and counsel Beau Sterling assists on CLOs.

Practice head(s):

Michael Mazzuchi; Macey Levington


Other key lawyers:

Mitchell Dupler; John McGill; Beau Sterling


Testimonials

‘Exceptional lawyers, plus depth and breadth of knowledge.’

‘Michael Mazzuchi and Macey Levington are great lawyers. They are extremely knowledgeable and great at getting to solutions.’

‘Readiness to provide solutions or options and to help us decide which one to take.’

Key clients

PNC


Mizuho Securities


Owl Rock Capital Partners


Goldman Sachs


Credit Suisse


Nomura


Work highlights


  • Acting as counsel to the underwriters in over 290 Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and Ginnie Mae mortgage-backed transactions, representing over $250 billion of mortgage-backed securities in 2022.
  • Representing Citigroup and the SPE issuer and co-issuer in a $505.3 million CLO, for which Carlyle CLO Management L.L.C. will act as collateral manager.
  • Acting as counsel to Owl Rock Capital Partners on various transactions.

Clifford Chance

Noted for its expertise in the residential and commercial mortgage arenas, Clifford Chance represents clients in RMBS and CMBS transactions, with demonstrable capability establishing structures to comply with risk retention requirements for CLOs and advising on CRE CLOs in the US. The New York-based team, which is well-placed to collaborate with the firm’s tax group on mortgage-backed securities, counts asset-backed securitizations, marketplace and consumer lending, as well as student loan mandates, in its workload. Robert Villani, who advises on CLOs and consumer loan securitizations, jointly leads the practice alongside real estate expert Lee Askenazi, who focuses on CMBS and RMBS transactions, in addition to asset-backed securitizations. Jim Cotins and Matt Lyons handle the securitization of commercial real estate assets, while Washington DC-based Robert Hagan advises on private securitizations and re-securitization transactions of a range of asset classes. Other key contacts in the group include James Gouwar, who focuses on the tax aspects of structured finance transactions, Alistair Dunlop and Gareth Old.



Practice head(s):

Robert Villani; Lee Askenazi


Other key lawyers:

Jim Cotins; Matt Lyons; Robert Hagan; James Gouwar; Alistair Dunlop; Gareth Old; Rebecca O’Brien


Testimonials

‘Actionable and practical advice on complex and novel mandates.’

‘Gareth Old is clear, practical and very responsive.’

Key clients

Bayview Asset Management


Waterfall Asset Management, LLC


First Key


ReadyCap Commercial, LLC


Chimera Investment Corporation


Western Alliance/Next Bank


PIMCO managed funds


Oceanview Acquisitions I, LLC


Global Jet Capital, Inc.


Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC


TCI Capital Management II LLC


NYL Investors LLC


Symphony Alternative Asset Management LLC


Kroll Bond Rating Agency


Work highlights


  • Advised Waterfall Victoria Master Fund, LTD as sponsor of the US$370.7 million securitization of various SUBI Certificates representing beneficial interests in FHA-insured Ginnie Mae early buyout mortgage loans.
  • Represented an asset-management affiliate of a global insurance company in acquiring non-economic residential interests issued in RMBS, CMBS, and other REMIC securitizations in over 891 offerings.

Dechert LLP

The ‘forward-thinking and innovative’ team at Dechert LLP is well-versed across a range of transaction types, from CRE securitizations, CMBS and resi-securitization mandates to CLOs and ABS, with notable experience advising on esoteric assets. Noted for its expertise in the real estate sector, the team counts bulge bracket banks, private investors and alternative financiers among its key roster of clients. In the firm’s Charlotte office, Stewart McQueen, who focuses on CMBS and CRE CLOs, leads the practice alongside head of the structured credit and CLO group, Christopher Duerden, and New York-based Ralph Mazzeo, who represents private equity and hedge fund managers in RMBS transactions. The New York office is also home to Laura Swihart, who stands out for her expertise in handling CMBS mandates, while Charlotte-based John Timperio advises on mid-market CLO transactions. Sarah Milam and Linda Bartosch, who operate from the firm’s New York and Philadelphia offices respectively, are also key names, alongside and New York’s Jay Southgate.



Practice head(s):

Stewart McQueen; Christopher Duerden; Ralph Mazzeo


Other key lawyers:

Laura Swihart; John Timperio; Sarah Milam; Linda Bartosch; Jay Southgate


Testimonials

‘The team is forward-thinking and innovative, they think outside the box. Always available to provide advice on the pre-execution phase.’

Key clients

Bain Capital Credit CLO Advisors, LP


CarVal CLO Management LLC


Cerberus Capital Management


Churchill Asset Management LLC / Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending Corp.


Citigroup Global Markets Inc.; Citibank NA


Deutsche Bank Securities


Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation


Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation


First Help Financial LLC


Golub Capital / GC Advisors LLC / GC Investment Management LLC


J.P. Morgan Securities LLC


Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P.


MF1 Capital


Pagaya US Holding Company LLC / Pagaya Structured Products LLC


Palmer Square Capital Management LLC


Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and REVL Securities LLC


RBC Capital Markets, LLC


Reigo Investments Ltd


TPG RE Finance Trust, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Represented MF1 Capital, as issuer’s counsel, in its CLO issuance.
  • Advised Churchill Asset Management on its inaugural US$700 million collateralized fund obligation.
  • Advised Pagaya on 5 “PAID” securitizations of unsecured consumer loans totalling in excess of US$5 billion.

Dentons

Noted for its expertise in the real estate finance and mortgage sectors, Dentons advises on the securitization of nonqualified mortgage loans, non-performing and re-performing mortgage loans, in addition to triple-net lease commercial real estate and residential mortgage-backed securities. The New York-based practice, which sits within the firm’s capital markets group, has recently been advising on warehouse liquidity securitizations backed by a range of asset types, including consumer loans, student loans, whole business loans and early buy-out loans. Stephen Kudenholdt, who focuses on residential mortgage loan securitizations and re-securitizations of mortgage-backed securities, jointly leads the team alongside Erik Klingenberg, who advises on commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities, in addition to CLOs. Scott Swerdloff has experience in the single-family rental market, while Robert Olin represents issuers and underwriters in residential mortgage-backed and asset-backed securitizations. Ryan Zucchetto, who advises on tax aspects of residential mortgage-backed securities transactions, is another key contact in the group.


Practice head(s):

Stephen Kudenholdt; Erik Klingenberg


Other key lawyers:

Scott Swerdloff; Robert Olin; Ryan Zucchetto; David Natter; Marlo Young


Key clients

Coventry Building Society


Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC


Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated


JP Morgan


Cantor Fitzgerald & Co.


Rithm Capital Corp.


Nomura Securities International, Inc.


Figure Funding LLC


Blackstone Residential Operating Partnership LP


Marathon Asset Management


Deutsche Bank


Morgan Stanley


Goldman, Sachs & Co.


HSBC Securities (USA) Inc.


Wells Fargo Securities


AmWest Funding Corp.


Change Lending LLC


Work highlights


  • Represented Credit Suisse as lender in connection with a US$100 million novel financing facility for Wander.com.

DLA Piper LLP (US)

Praised for its ‘depth of bench and market experience’, DLA Piper LLP (US) stands out for its capability in the CLO arena, with demonstrable experience advising on whole-business securitizations, insurance-linked securities, credit tenant lease financings and esoteric ABS. The team counts Goldman Sachs, Ares Management and BlackRock among its key roster of clients. In the firm’s New York office, practice leader Richard Reilly has experience acting as counsel to arrangers, collateral managers and investors on US and European CLOs, while Grant Buerstetta, who joined the team from Blank Rome LLP in June 2022, and Jay Williams are commended as ‘phenomenal professionals’. Clients have ‘a lot of trust in’ Los Angeles-based Claire Hall, whose practice covers a range of traditional and non-traditional assets classes, while Boston’s Andrew Sroka advises on commercial asset-backed loans. Based in New York, John Murphy is another key contact in the team.


Practice head(s):

Richard Reilly


Other key lawyers:

Grant Buerstetta; Jay Williams; Claire Hall; Andrew Sroka; John Murphy


Testimonials

‘I have worked with DLA Piper on many structured finance transactions over the years. The partners are well abreast with the industry and offer great insight, which is beneficial to us and our clients.’

‘I work closely with Jay Williams and Grant Buerstetta. These guys are just phenomenal professionals that not only care about building their practice, but also care for the clients and business partners they work with..’

‘DLA Piper LLP (US) is a top-tier legal group of exemplary professional standing across numerous practices. DLA Piper LLP (US) has the depth of bench and market experience, as well as superior skills required to effectively assist its clients to navigate any of the complexities and peculiarities they may encounter.’

‘While there are large number of individuals with whom we regularly work with at DLA Piper and all offer us superior legal advice and engagement, Grant Buerstetta and Jay Williams are of note among those individuals. Both Grant and Jay have extensive market experience, including experience working with all the primary market participants.’

‘Knowledgeable, responsive and helpful. The team is always a pleasure to work with and willing to go the extra mile to get deals done.’

‘Frequent touch points with Claire Hall even in between live deals. We appreciate, what we view as a partnership between our firms. We have a lot of trust in Claire and her team.’

Key clients

Lendbuzz, Inc.


Affirm, Inc.


Kapitus


Jefferies Funding LLC


Theorem Partners LLC


Goldman Sachs


Ares


BlackRock


Deutsche Bank


Irradiant Partners


Shenkman Capital Management, Inc.


Trimaran Advisors LLC/LibreMax Capital


Sound Point Capital Management


Société Générale S.A., (SocGen)


Work highlights


  • Advised on 40 CLO transactions, totalling over US$19 billion, for clients such as Goldman Sachs, Ares Management and BlackRock.
  • Represented Affirm, Inc in connection with the issuance of US$500 million fixed-rate fully amortizing point-of-sale unsecured consumer loans by Affirm Asset Securitization Trust 2022-A.
  • Acted as counsel to Jefferies as initial purchaser/placement agent regarding the ABS securitization of cashflows generated by multifamily properties that benefit from Section 8 and other low-income housing incentives (LIHTEC).

Katten

With deep experience across a myriad of asset classes and structures’, Katten’s workload includes consumer and commercial finance mandates, in addition to esoteric and one-off transactions, including electric vehicle lease securitizations, capital market-based carbon offset credits and agricultural receivables. Housing a ‘deep bench of experienced partners and diligent associates’, the team is well-placed to advise on the regulatory and tax aspects of structured finance transactions. In the firm’s New York office, Chris DiAngelo acts as principal counsel to the Structured Finance Association (SFA) and is noted for his expertise in ABS and residential mortgage-backed securities. Washington DC’s Anna-Liza Harris, who focuses on the tax aspects of asset- and mortgage-backed securitizations, jointly leads the team alongside New York-based Howard Schickler, whose practice covers a range of asset classes, including esoteric assets. The New York office is also home to John Keiserman, who handles transactions involving motor vehicle collateral, while Washington DC-based Seth Messner is praised as ‘knowledgeable, practical and commercial’.


Practice head(s):

Anna-Liza Harris; Howard Schickler


Other key lawyers:

Chris DiAngelo; John Keiserman; Seth Messner; Joseph Topolski; Claudine Chen-Young


Testimonials

‘Excellent team. Takes time to understand commercial objectives and well-versed on latest market developments.’

‘Seth Messner is a valued partner in our business. Very knowledgeable, practical and commercial.’

‘With deep experience across a myriad of asset classes and structures, including public and private securitizations, the structured finance team at Katten has been able to deliver the best advice for many years. A combination of a deep bench of experienced partners and diligent associates along with a creative approach to find solutions for complex issues have made this team exceptional.’

‘The ability to find solutions without compromising on risks. Efficiency in delivering well-drafted documents in a timely manner. Having a deep bench and knowledgeable partners who can meet tight deadlines without compromising on quality. Ability to work on esoteric and complex asset classes and structures. Extremely well-articulate, yet personable and humble in their approach with clients and counterparts.’

Key clients

Aspen Capital / Great Ajax


BofA Securities Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, etc.


Fannie Mae


FAT Brands


Ford Motor Credit Company


GM Financial Company


IMS


Marathon Asset Management, L.P.


Percent


Wells Fargo Securities


Work highlights


  • Advising Fannie Mae on its single-family and multifamily stripped MBS and REMIC securitization programs.
  • Advised Ford Credit in connection with all of its U.S. auto loan, auto lease and dealer floor-plan securitization programs, including publicly registered and Rule 144A offerings and cross-border offerings from its Canadian affiliates.
  • Represented GM Financial and its predecessor, AmeriCredit Financial Services on all of its securitization programs in the United States, while supporting its Canadian and other international asset-backed programs.

King & Spalding LLP

King & Spalding LLP has considerable experience advising on esoteric asset securitizations, non-traditional real estate ABS transactions, healthcare and trade receivables securitizations, in addition to mortgage repurchase transactions. The New York-based practice continues to consolidate its expertise in hybrid leveraged finance and securitization products, whole-business securitization and digital infrastructure securitization with experience in the securitization of restaurant concepts, digital infrastructure, cellular tower and distributed antenna operators, as well as solar and renewable energy assets. Jeff Misher handles structured transactions involving trade, loan and leasing receivables, while Jonathan Arkins, who advises on diverse asset types such as data centers and intellectual property license streams, is another key contact in the group. In January 2022, Washington DC-based David Ridenour joined the firm from DLA Piper LLP (US). Ryan McNaughton left the firm in April 2023. Also in April 2023, Michael Urschel, Kathryn Weiss and Martin Eid departed for Milbank.

Other key lawyers:

Jeff Misher; Jonathan Arkins; David Ridenour


Key clients

Barclays Capital Inc


Cerberus Capital Management


Credit Suisse


Diamond Communications LLC


Hotwire Communications


Morgan Stanley


Nuveen/TIAA


Five Guys Holdings, Inc.


White Oak


The Toronto Dominion Bank


MUFG


Work highlights


  • Represented Barclays Capital Inc as sole structuring advisor and sole book-running manager, in connection with the sale of $427 million Series 2022-1 Notes.
  • Represented Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and KKR Capital Markets LLC as initial purchasers, in connection with the offering and sale of the $732.55 million Class A-2 Secured Music Catalog Term Notes of Hi-Fi Music IP Issuer II L.P.
  • Represented Hotwire Communications, Ltd., through its newly-created subsidiary, Hotwire BTS Funding I, LLC, in connection with the closing of a Loan and Security Agreement consisting of a $500 million revolving credit facility.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Counting private equity firms and portfolio companies among its key roster of clients, Kirkland & Ellis LLP advises on asset-backed securitizations involving auto and equipment assets, in addition to oil and gas receivables, floorplan loans and healthcare receivables, among others. Noted for its expertise in whole-business securitizations, the team has demonstrable capability in handling a broad range of transactions involving mainstream assets. In the firm’s Chicago office, Jeffrey O’Connor, who focuses on auto and equipment, oil and gas, credit card and healthcare securitizations, jointly leads the team alongside New York-based Janette McMahan, who specializes in auto loan, auto lease, marketplace loan and trade receivables transactions. In Dallas, Rudgee Charles was promoted to partner in October 2022 and advises on a broad range of asset-backed securitizations. Joel Weinberger, who operates from the firm’s office in Chicago, is another key contact in the group.


Practice head(s):

Jeffrey O’Connor; Janette McMahan


Other key lawyers:

Rudgee Charles; Joel Weinberger


Key clients

Deere & Company


Centerbridge Partners


J.P. Morgan Securities LLC


MUFG Securities LLC


Navistar Financial Corporation


NextGear Capital, Inc.


Southwest Stage Funding, LLC (d/b/a Cascade Financial Services)


Sylvamo Corporation


Travel + Leisure Co.


World Omni Financial Corp.


Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP

Praised for its ‘expertise in niche and esoteric asset classes, combined with a quality service’, Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP advises on the securitization of solar and intellectual property assets, in addition to commercial and residential PACE transactions. Based in New York, the team is heavily active in the real estate sector, advising on timeshares and commercial mortgages. Gilbert Liu has experience advising on securitization transactions involving solar assets, timeshare loans, equipment leases and energy savings performance contract receivables, while Laurence Pettit counsels investment funds on secondary market activity in ABS and mortgage-backed security products. Liu and Pettit lead the team alongside Jamie Kocis, who focuses on transactions involving emerging asset classes, including solar and commercial PACE assets. Daniel Michaelson is another key contact in the group.


Practice head(s):

Gilbert Liu; Laurence Pettit; Jamie Kocis


Other key lawyers:

Daniel Michaelson; Elizabeth Collins


Testimonials

‘Expertise in niche and esoteric asset classes, combined with a quality service.’

‘Laurence Pettit and Elizabeth Collins are key contacts.’

Key clients

Panelview DAC


Work highlights


  • Advised the issuer Portman Square 2021-NPL1 DAC and its parent, the transaction sponsor, Panelview DAC, in the issuance of €1,082,681,000 in principal amount of ABS, backed by a portfolio of Irish non-performing consumer mortgages, originally acquired by Panelview from Allied Irish Bank.

Latham & Watkins LLP

Latham & Watkins LLP advises its roster of clients on transactions involving commercial and esoteric assets, including aircraft leases, cell and broadcast towers, and rental car fleets, with demonstrable experience in whole-business securitizations. The team is also noted for its expertise advising collateral managers and arrangers on CLO transactions, loan warehouses, financing of CLO equity and risk retention funds, as well as related regulatory issues. In the firm’s New York office, Loren Finegold serves as global vice chair of the structured finance and securitization practice, acting on the securitization of cellular towers and other telecoms assets, in addition to CLOs and CMBS transactions, among others. The New York office is also home to Kevin Fingeret, who focuses on esoteric and operating assets, while Graeme Smyth advises on music royalty securitizations. Based in Chicago, Matthew Hays has experience in the automotive finance, banking, technology and manufacturing sectors, while Los Angeles’ Douglas Burnaford advises on ABS and CLO transactions. Dominic Yoong and Vicki Marmorstein also operate from the firm’s Los Angeles office.

Practice head(s):

Loren Finegold


Other key lawyers:

Kevin Fingeret; Graeme Smyth; Matthew Hays; Douglas Burnaford; Dominic Yoong; Vicki Marmorstein


Key clients

Guggenheim Securities, LLC


KKR & Co.


Diversified Energy Company


Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.


Goldman Sachs


Raisa Energy


Blackstone


Northleaf Capital Partners


Stone Ridge Asset Management


SESAC


Rockford Tower Capital Management, L.L.C.


AXA Investment Managers


Carlyle


Ares


Onex Credit Partners


Park Avenue Institutional Investors


Columbia Cent CLO Advisers


Alcentra


Irradiant


DoubleLine


Paul Hastings LLP

Counting arrangers, collateral managers, lenders, borrowers and investors among its key roster of clients, Paul Hastings LLP’s structured credit practice frequently collaborates with the firm’s finance, tax, regulatory and restructuring groups to advise on CLO transactions. In the firm’s New York office, Eugene Ferrer leads the team and advises on cash and synthetic CLOs, credit-linked notes and securities repackagings, while Washington DC-based Scott Faga acts for underwriters and collateral managers in CLO transactions, in addition to handling regulatory mandates. Other key contacts in the group, who have demonstrable experience in the CLO arena, include Nicole Skalla and Mary Kathryn Lee, who operate from the firm’s offices in New York and Washington DC respectively. The New York office is also home to senior associate Nicole Bright, who acts for investment banks, investment advisors and issuers on a broad range of CLO transactions. Nick Robinson and Tracy Feng have joined from Allen & Overy LLP.


Practice head(s):

Eugene Ferrer


Other key lawyers:

Scott Faga; Nicole Skalla; Mary Kathryn Lee; Nicole Bright


Key clients

Morgan Stanley


BofA Securities


JPMorgan


Credit Suisse


Barclays


BNP Paribas


Wells Fargo


MUFG


Neuberger Berman


ArrowMark


Symphony Asset Management


Natixis Securities


GreensLedge Capital Markets


TCW Asset Management Company


Citigroup Inc.


Golub Capital


AGL Credit Management LP


Societe Generale


Nomura


Work highlights


  • Advised Golub (GC Investment Management) as collateral manager in a CLO transaction arranged by SMBC Nikko Securities.
  • Advised BofA Securities on a new issue CLO managed by Octagon.
  • Acted for Citigroup as arranger on the issuance of new CLO serviced by Palmer Square Capital Management LLC.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

The ‘incredible’ structured finance team at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP has an ‘encyclopedic knowledge’ of a broad range of securitizations, counselling clients on innovative and complex transactions that involve a wide array of asset classes, including franchises, trade receivables and patent royalties. Jordan Yarett leads the predominantly New York-based team on whole business and asset-backed securitizations as well as being active advising state utility commission boards on utility stranded bonds and energy recovery bonds. The group shows skill in finance issues relating to the media and entertainment industry, with Robert Zochowski providing a key contact for clients concerned with film, television and sport financing deals. Charles Pesant is a standout figure for his experience in the securitization of diamond assets, recently advising Pluczenik Diamond Company in their inaugural cross-border inventory-based securitization, as well as having a broad knowledge of various esoteric assets. Claudine Meredith-Goujon is intimately familiar with securitizations concerning intellectual property as well as internet law issues, while Lawrence G. Wee focuses on high-debt deals and advising companies on their ongoing securities law and corporate governance matters.


Practice head(s):

Robert Zochowski


Other key lawyers:

Jordan Yarett; Charles Pesant; Claudine Meredith-Goujon; Lawrence G. Wee


Testimonials

‘Robert Zochowski leads this excellent team. He is experienced, knowledgeable and practical. He and his team take a very proactive and pragmatic approach to structuring and closing very complex transactions, with a particular emphasis on those in the media and entertainment sectors.’

‘Encyclopedic knowledge, a full 360 view, and the ability to see around corners. Partners have the range of contacts and network to go directly to the right person in a deal and constructively address tricky issues.’

‘The Paul, Weiss securitization practice brings incredible intellectual horsepower and unbeatable business savvy. Leadership in this group are leaders in their field and pioneers in some esoteric and niche products. The teams ability to collaborate, brainstorm and educate clients is without compare.’

Key clients

Amherst Pierpoint


Apollo Global Management


Metronet


Barclays Capital


Oklahoma Gas and Electric


California Public Utilities Commission


Oxford Finance


Ducera Partners


Pluczenik Diamond Company


Goldman Sachs


RBC Capital Markets


Guggenheim Securities


Restaurant Brands International


High Bluff Capital Partners


Roark Capital Group


KGK Diamonds


SBA Communications


Stargems Group


Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP

Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP has a ‘responsive, thorough and conscientious’ team that represent investment managers and specialty finance companies on a wide array of securitization issues. Team head Craig Stein regularly leads the firm’s impressive CLO work, and also has considerable experience in prime brokerage and customer trading agreements. The firm also demonstrates expertise in esoteric securitization which involve structured settlements and insurance-linked securities, as well as being a leading name in the rapidly growing litigation finance arena. Fellow team head Boris Ziser competently handles these esoteric asset classes, as well as more traditional asset-backed securitizations. Both Phillip Azzollini and Stephen Schauder focus on CLOs and warehouse financing transactions, while Thomas Weinberger is an expert in life settlements and pension risk transfer, in addition to being a key name for companies looking for advice on structuring finance for the law firms they are partnering with. Andrea Mandell has also been highly active in practice matters, utilizing her tax experience to counsel on a range of structured finance, securitization and fund formation issues as well as handling real estate finance, including structuring REO-to-rental financings and debt repackaging.

Practice head(s):

Craig Stein; Boris Ziser


Other key lawyers:

Phillip Azzollini; Stephen Schauder; Thomas Weinberger; Andrea Mandell


Testimonials

‘The team is relentless and focused. They are consistently responsive, thorough, and conscientious.’

‘Phil Azzollini is our go-to partner for CLO work and just about every other type of securitization-related matters. As a counselor, his ability to recall details of our platform and our operations and weave them into his advice is unmatched.’

Key clients

AS Birch Grove


Brightwood Capital Advisors, LLC


Cerberus Capital Management, L.P.


Fortress Investment Group LLC


GoldenTree Loan Management


Mizuho Securities USA LLC


Natixis Securities Americas LLC


Romark Credit Advisors LP


Work highlights


  • Advised GoldenTree Loan Management II, LP on the creation of a series of arbitrage cash flow CLOs.
  • Advised Cerberus Business Finance, LLC in the structuring and negotiation of a new-issue CLO transaction, secured by primarily U.S. middle-market commercial loans.
  • Represented multiple clients in connection with law firm loans that are secured by fees from mass tort litigation.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

The ‘practical’ and ‘impressive’ team at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP advises hedge funds, global investments managers and financial services on the structuring of a range of asset class transactions, especially CLOs. The practice also competently handles transactions that involve esoteric assets, including diamond sales, music royalties and receivables relating to oil and gas. Team head Frank Nocco regularly leads these esoteric matters, as well as ABS transactions, single seller and multi-seller commercial paper vehicles, and both offshore and domestic special purpose vehicles. Nocco’s team includes the experienced Shawn Kodes, who acts on a variety of issues including auto loans and leases, credit card receivables, unsecured consumer loans and healthcare receivables, as well as providing clients with advice on recent reform legislation and the impact it may have on their business and structured products. Jason Smith is also active in the practice, with expertise in rental car fleet financings, vehicle and equipment fleet lease securitization, and collateralized bond and loan obligation transactions.


Practice head(s):

Frank Nocco


Other key lawyers:

Shawn Kodes; Jason Smith


Testimonials

‘Responsive, practical and endlessly impressive service delivery.’

‘Shawn Kodes is able to cut through to the key issues and delivers solutions.’

Key clients

Advent International Corporation


EQT Partners


Air Methods Corporation


Fair Oaks Capital Ltd.


Apollo Global Management, LLC


Goldman Sachs


BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited


Guggenheim Securities


Blackstone / GSO


JPMorgan


BlueBay Asset Management LLP


LaserShip, Inc.


Brigade Capital Management LP


Lendmark Financial Services, LLC


CBAM


Lenovo Group Limited


CELF Advisors LLP


LibreMax Capital


CFG Partners, LP


Oaktree Capital Management


Citi


On Deck Capital, Inc.


Credit Suisse


Sanofi


Delaware Life Insurance Company


Skillsoft Corporation


Deutsche Bank


Tempo Music Investments


DirecTV


TPG


Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc.


Wells Fargo


Work highlights


  • Advising Lenovo Group Limited in its amended and renewed $3 billion multi-jurisdictional, multi-currency, off-balance sheet accounts receivable securitization.
  • Advised Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc in the issuance by Enterprise Fleet Financing 2022-1, LLC of $1.3 billion 144A asset-backed notes collateralized by leases generated through Enterprise’s fleet leasing business.
  • Advised Guggenheim Securities as underwriter and placement agent, in a $750 million issuance of ABS 144A/Reg S and privately placed notes by Jonah Energy LLC, a large-scale, independent natural gas producer.

White & Case LLP

The New York-based structured finance team at White & Case LLP works closely with the firm’s capital markets team in order to offer clients expert market knowledge alongside a comprehensive service full of technical expertise. The group is able to tackle both traditional and esoteric asset type transactions involving blue-chip and Fortune 500 multinational corporations and financial services. Furthermore, the practice demonstrates notable skill in rental car securitizations and financings, as well as asset-backed notes offerings and CLOs. David Thatch heads the team and is highly experienced in esoteric securitizations, leveraged investment funds and CLOs. Jim Fogarty covers the full range of financing issues and provides trusted counsel to clients wishing to navigate the current regulatory environment in regard to the Dodd-Frank Act, the Volcker Rule and risk retention. Elizabeth Devine is a key contact for US and cross-border receivables transactions, investment funds and structured credit facilities. Carla Moore left the practice in early 2024.

Practice head(s):

David Thatch


Other key lawyers:

Jim Fogarty; Elizabeth Devine


Key clients

Antares Capital


Avis Budget Group


Calpine Corporation


Castlelake Lending Opportunities, LLC


GreensLedge Capital Markets


Guggenheim Securities, LLC


J.P. Morgan Securities LLC


Jack in the Box


Jersey Mike’s


Neighborly Issuer LLC


NRG Energy, Inc.


The Hertz Corporation


Winston & Strawn LLP

Winston & Strawn LLP‘s structured finance practice has strength in a number of niche market fields, resulting in the team being a key point of contact for many clients looking for focused, experienced expertise. The group demonstrate expertise in Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) bonds and residential and commercial projects, and also provide counsel to market lending platforms regarding formation, regulatory compliance and portfolio securitization. Furthermore, the practice is extremely knowledgeable of transportation finance issues and assets, including aircraft engines, railroad rolling stock and land-based fleets. Francisco Flores and Chris Gavin, who joined the firm from Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP in March 2023, co-head the practice from Los Angeles and New York respectively, with the former focusing on automobile leases, commercial and residential mortgages and solar energy receivables, and the latter on CLOs and esoteric asset finance and securitization. Chicago’s Nolan Bolduc is active in matters regarding secured and unsecured credit facilities and works alongside Michael Mullins who regularly counsels alternative asset managers, captive finance companies and hedge funds. Eunice Chay is active on a range of matters from the Los Angeles office, including the firm’s leading PACE financing work.

Practice head(s):

Francisco Flores; Chris Gavin


Other key lawyers:

Nolan Bolduc; Michael Mullins; Eunice Chay; Jeffrey Stern


Testimonials

‘Expertise in niche, esoteric asset classes. Access and availability of partners.’

Key clients

Affirm, Inc.


Aviation Capital Group


BeachPoint Capital Management


Deutsche Alternative Asset Management


Experity Ventures LLC


ING Capital LLC


Investcorp Credit Management US LLC


KeyBank N.A.


Kuvare Insurance Services LP


Madison Capital Funding


Monroe Capital


Operadora Falcon dba Xepelin


Petros PACE Finance, LLC.


Eversheds Sutherland

Eversheds Sutherland has a diverse and experienced structured finance team that advises on whole business loan securitizations as well as public and private commercial mortgage-backed securities. The practice is particularly skilled in CMBS and CLO deals, regularly working with large master and special servicers both domestically and abroad. John Benson heads the team from New York and advises on securitized commercial real estate loans and affiliated debt products, while co-head and Washington DC-based Lisa Rosen is highly adept at counselling clients on compliance issues regarding securitization in addition to novel deal structuring issues. Atlanta’s Brennan Posner works with fintech, investment management firms and business development companies on asset-backed securitization and CLO transactions, whereas Thomas Dugan is a key contact in the Washington DC office for real estate matters including conduit securitizations, SASB securitizations and commercial mortgage-backed securities.

Practice head(s):

John Benson; Lisa Rosen


Other key lawyers:

Brennan Posner; Thomas Dugan


Testimonials

‘Strength of the partner and associates, breadth of knowledge, connections within industry, ability to be a true partner and advisor rather than just an attorney.’

‘Brennan Posner is the best of the best in the industry. He has a thorough grasp of all aspects of the industry and is a great advisor who’s capable of critical thinking and seeing the whole picture. He’s well-respected by peers and genuinely a good person – humble, well-spoken, and respectful.’

Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbright serves as a go-to for complex and sophisticated structured finance transactions and counsel, representing issuers, warehouse lenders, servicers and investors on a range of asset types. Niche areas of expertise in the market include solar loans, property assessed clean energy bonds, pharmaceutical royalties, and aircraft leases. Team head and New York-based Patrick Dolan  regularly takes the lead on matters regarding these esoteric assets, as well as competently handling more traditional asset-backed and mortgage-backed securitizations. Co-head Andrew Coronios , also based in New York, is intimately familiar with both domestic and cross-border syndicated credit facilities and lease financing structures, while third practice head Eric Tashman, operating from the firm’s San Francisco office, has expertise in structuring and implementing utility securitization for investor-owned utilities and State-sponsored issuers.


Practice head(s):

Patrick Dolan; Andrew Coronios; Eric Tashman


Key clients

JPMorgan Chase Bank


Southern California Edison Company


Bank of Nova Scotia


Bank of America Securities


Varadero Capital


Jefferies


DBRS


Goldman Sachs


Textainer Marine Containers VII Limited


North Texas Higher Education Authority


Citigroup


RBC Capital Markets


Barclays Bank


Entergy Corporation


Tesla Energy Operations


Arosa Capital Management


GoodFinch Management


Work highlights


  • Served as special counsel to the issuer of ratepayer backed bonds for four separate utilities in the State of Oklahoma to provide for the recovery of extraordinary costs incurred as a consequence of Winter Storm Uri.

Reed Smith LLP

Reed Smith LLP’s structured finance practice leverages its vast geographic footprint to engage on a mix of domestic and cross-border mandates by utilizing its network of peers abroad. The team has expertise across all asset and transaction types, including esoteric assets such as oil and gas, diamonds and cannabis, as well as working in more traditional industries including logistics, food, and transportation. Operating out of the firm’s Miami office, team head Jodi Schwimmer demonstrates notable expertise in preferred equity raises and warehouse facilities, as well as possessing experience in REMICs and CRE CLOs. New York attorney Trish O’Donnell focuses on the group’s most complex cross border structured finance and derivative matters, as well as ABS transactions concerning diamonds, oil and gas. The New York office is strengthened further by the expertise of Andrea Dinamarco, who regularly structures and negotiates credit facilities as well as executing public and private asset backed securitizations. Robert Stalzer, operating from Philadelphia, is also highly active in practice matters and is a key contact for REIT formation concerns. Evan Kelson left the firm in June 2022.

Practice head(s):

Jodi Schwimmer


Other key lawyers:

Trish O’Donnell; Andrea Dinamarco; Robert Stalzer


Testimonials

‘The team is very innovative and forward thinking when it comes to creative capital and investor legal structures. The team has a profound understanding of client business requirements and economic structures, mechanisms and parameters.’

‘The individuals go above and beyond the call in finding solutions to business requirements.’

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is highly active in the digital infrastructure, energy and transportation industries, representing clients in a range of asset-backed transactions involving commercial paper, aircraft leases, bank credit card receivables and dark fiber revenue. Standout recent work for the team includes counselling the initial purchasers in a series of asset-backed note offerings from both Enterprise Fleet Management and Avis Budget Group, in addition to work with the Railroad commission of Texas regarding the issuance of a financing order. John Schueller fronts the practice and has extensive expertise on auto loans and leases, timeshare loans and fleet leases, also regularly providing advising executives and managers regarding CLOs.

Practice head(s):

John Schueller


Key clients

BofA Merrill Lynch


Citigroup


Clearlake Capital Group, L.P.


DataBank Holdings


ExteNet Systems


Flexential Corp.


GSO Capital Partners


HSBC


Invitation Homes


J.P. Morgan Securities


Mizuho Securities


MUFG


Portman Ridge Finance Corporation


RBC Capital Markets


Sierra Crest Investment Management LLC


SummitIG


TD Securities


Vantage Data Centers


Vertical Bridge Holdings


Wells Fargo Securities


Work highlights


  • Advised the initial purchasers in over $6 billion (aggregate) asset backed notes offerings by Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc.
  • Advised the initial purchasers in over $3 billion (aggregate) asset backed notes offerings by Avis Budget
  • Advised Flexential Corp. in over $2 billion (aggregate) secured data center revenue notes issuances