Noted as ‘knowledgeable, commercial, and constructive on all engagements’, Mayer Brown’s structured finance department is turned to by investors, issuers and underwritersin a variety of securitization mandates. The team’s broad practice experience encompasses the full gamut of ABS transactions, with a strong presence in automotive, credit card and fintech arenas, alongside various esoteric asset classes in the form of rail cars, fleet leasing, litigation finance, barges, structured settlements, and others. The team is co-led by its Chicago-based partners Julie Gillespie and Ger O’Donnell , and are both sought by clients for their strong track record in securities transactions, with the former’s experience in esoteric ABS, such as arts, music royalties receivables, solar and consumer loans complementing the latter’s expertise in warehouse financings, consumer receivables and trade finance deals securitization. Also in Chicago, Jon Van Gorp and Angela Ulum are both retained by clients for their expertise in synthetic securitizations, RMBS, and mortgage-based securitizations. Stuart Litwin has advised clients in ABS transactions within the automotive industry from his Chicago office, while New York-based Ryan Suda is the team’s port of call for CLO and CFO-related transactions.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Marianas Trench level industry knowledge (i.e., deep). Easy to work with - counterparties know, respect and listen to the senior leaders when they speak. I wouldn't go anywhere else for securitization help.’
‘Paul Jorissen is the smartest guy in the room and in this business normally the smartest guy in the room makes sure you know he is the smartest guy in the room. Paul is the opposite - he wants to make it seem like you are the smartest guy in the room and with his unassuming manner he is usually able to do so.’
‘I have worked with this team for over 20-years. They are the most capable underwriter's counsel in the private CLO space. Glenn is very commercial, adept at explaining and negotiating complex concepts, creative, and cost effective. The team is responsive and efficient.’
‘Excellent people who are constructive, helpful in brainstorming potential solutions and highly available for discussion.’
‘The Mayer Brown Structured Finance practice has been nothing short of excellent and a pleasure to work with. They are professional, responsive, and knowledgeable. The Partners are adequately involved in transactions and each team is properly staffed and supported. ’
‘The individuals within the Mayer Brown Structured Finance practice are friendly, very smart, easy to work with, and make themselves available to answer questions or comments. They offer proper support and counsel on every transaction that they are working on. ’
‘The Mayer Brown team provides excellent legal guidance when challenged by unique questions on financial structuring. Their knowledge around both run of the mill and complex mortgage finance stucturing is broad, covering bankruptcy, tax and other general structuring considerations.’
‘Knowledgeable, commercial, and constructive on all engagements. ’
‘Glenn Kunkes and Jacob Blakeslee are fantastic. Knowledgeable and commercial in all respects ’
Key clients
- Morgan Stanley
- Citizens Bank
- MUFG Bank
- Sotheby’s Financial Services
- Ally Bank
- Barclays
- JPMorgan
- Solar Mosaic
- Goldman Sachs
- Santander Consumer USA Inc.
Work highlights
- Represented Sotheby’s Financial Services (SFS) to structure a first-of-its kind securitization program of loans secured by fine art and collectibles.
- Represented Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWGoA) in negotiating its multi-year future relationship to enable Wells Fargo Bank to effectively become the captive finance company for retail installment sales contracts and loans to purchase Volkswagen and Audi vehicles and Ducati motorcycles.
- Represented Goldman Sachs, on Mayer Brown’s biggest transaction of 2023, the purchase of a portfolio of loan facilities valued at $15 billion from the failed Signature Bank during an auction by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp (FDIC).
Lawyers
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Ryan Suda
Practice head
Julie Gillespie; Ger O’Donnell
Other key lawyers
Jon Van Gorp; Angela Ulum; Stuart Litwin; Ryan Suda