Representing borrowers, issuers, underwriters and loan‑seller sponsors, the global finance group at Sidley Austin LLP advises on the full spectrum of ABS, CMBS, CLO and structured financing matters. The team is deeply embedded in the financial services and real estate sectors, with a client roster that includes KKR, JP Morgan Securities, Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo Bank. In New York, Jonathan A. Nunes focuses on commercial mortgage loan securitizations, CRE CLOs and data‑center financings, while R.J. Carlson is active in credit‑linked note transactions and auto‑lease‑backed securitizations. Chicago‑based T.J. Gordon handles private student‑loan securitizations and warehouse facilities. Dallas's Angela Fontana and New York‑based Leslie A. Plaskon co‑lead the global finance practice alongside the aforementioned individuals, bringing extensive experience in complex structured‑finance transactions. In New York, Giselle M. Barth advises on single‑family rental securitizations, and Robert Kao focuses on CMBS transactions and data‑center financings. The group has continued to expand, with Christopher Jackson and Luke Maiman joining the team in New York from A&O Shearman in May 2025. Chicago‑based David K. Solow contributes expertise in private transactions, CFOs and forward‑flow purchase facilities.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Jonathan Nunes is simply amazing.'
‘Jonathan Nunes is the best attorney I know’
‘The Sidley team is well versed in both commercial and legal aspects of the Structured Finance market.'
- 'The team always provides timely and creative solutions.'
‘Chris Jackson and Luke Maiman are very knowledgeable and up-to-date on market and legal trends. They both are very accessible and we often receive positive feedback from our clients regarding their interaction with both.'
Key clients
- Ares Management
- Bank of America
- Bridge Investment Group
- Carlyle Investment Management
- Goldman Sachs
- JPMorgan
- KKR
- Morgan Stanley
- RBC Capital Markets
- Société Générale
- Starwood Capital Group
- Truist Bank
Work highlights
Represented Carlyle and KKR as sponsor's counsel in a series of securitizations for Nelnet Student Loan Trust Private Education Loan-Backed Notes, following Carlyle's and KKR's acquisition of the portfolio of prime private student loans from Discover Bank with a principal balance of approximately $10.1 billion.
Represented Ares Management Alternative Credit funds in connection with its joint venture with Certified Automotive Lease Corp (“CAL”) to purchase up to US$1.5 billion prime new vehicle leases originated by CAL, a creative way for Ares to grow its investments in asset-based credit.
Represented the underwriters in Truist Bank’s first credit-linked note (“CLN”) transaction, where the performance of the securities was linked to a $5,000,000,000 pool of automobile receivables held by Truist Bank, providing Truist Bank with credit protection on losses on that pool.
Lawyers
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.
Practice head
Angela Fontana; Leslie A. Plaskon; Jonathan A. Nunes; T.J. Gordon; R.J. Carlson
Other key lawyers
Giselle M. Barth; Robert Kao; Christopher Jackson; Luke Maiman; David K. Solow