Katten is a key contact for asset securitizations, for both conventional and esoteric asset classes. The team’s portfolio of transactions include securitizations of timeshares, agricultural receivables, electric vehicle leases, private equity incentive fees, and others. The team team also has a strong track record in matters pertaining to regulations or captive finance companies and banks. Washington DC-based Anna-Liza Harris, is a key member of the team for tax-related securitization mandates, and co-heads the team with Howard Schickler, who is turned to by clients for his track record in structured finance transactions involving residential and commercial mortgages, trade receivables and loans out of his office in New York. Chris DiAngelo is a strong choice for mortgage financing and securitizations, an area that David Matthews also focuses on. John Keiserman and Seth Messner are both ports of call for automobile asset and whole business securitizations respectively
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Truly staffed with subject matter expertise is all areas of business needs. ’
‘Howard Schickler, Anna-Liza Harris and Christopher Isaacs provide relevant subject matter expertise to problem solve in various areas of need within an auto finance company organization. ’
‘Katten has had a long-standing relationship with Ford and has provided exceptional service over the years. They have strong institutional and industry knowledge to effectively advise us on all relevant matters. ’
‘Joe Topolski has 20+ years of experience working with Ford and is familiar with all of our ABS-related matters. He provides sound guidance and is quick to respond whenever there are concerns.'
‘Skilled, professional attorneys with excellent legal and business skills. The attorneys truly make an effort to learn our business, strategies and hot button issues. They strive to be partners rather than just a vendor.’
‘Seth Messner - We have been working with Seth for 20+ years. Seth is a great all-around attorney with great skills covering structured products, financing and commercial real estate. He is practical, takes an easy-going approach to negotiations (rather than yelling), and is flexible on pricing. ’
Key clients
- Performance Trust Capital Partners
- Morningstar DBRS
- Builders Capital
- Fannie Mae
- Momentus
- Saluda Grade
- Lending Club Bank
- Tesla Financial
- General Motors Financial
Work highlights
- Representing Morningstar DBRS in its program of rating “home equity investment” RMBS deals.
- Advised Ford Credit in connection with all of its U.S. auto loan, auto lease and dealer floorplan securitization programs, including publicly registered and Rule 144A offerings and cross- border offerings from its Canadian affiliates.
- Represented Tesla Finance LLC, an originator and servicer of automobile loans and leases that is the captive finance company of Tesla, Inc.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Practice head
Anna-Liza Harris; Howard Schickler
Other key lawyers
Chris DiAngelo; Joseph Topolski; John Keiserman; Seth Messner; David Matthews; Christopher Isaacs