The team at DLA Piper LLP (US) is noted as ‘proactive,’ ’creative and thoughtful,’ regularly representing investors, asset managers, underwriters and purchasers across the full spectrum of ABS, CMBS and CLO transactions, as well as esoteric ABS and distressed legacy CDOs. Co‑heading the practice from New York, Richard Reilly Jr. is well‑versed in domestic and foreign CLO transactions, while Los Angeles‑based co‑lead Claire Hall focuses on music royalties and esoteric ABS, including multijurisdictional matters. In New York, Grant Buerstetta advises on CLOs, ABS matters and financings, and the 'exceptionally talented' Joo Kim is noted for her CMBS work. Boston‑based Andrew Sroka handles consumer credit securitizations and small‑business loan issues, with particular activity in fintech matters. In New York, Jay Williams brings expertise in private credit financings, while in Los Angeles Carlo Ingato concentrates on CLOs. In Philadelphia, Eric Glickman, who joined from Dechert in 2025, adds further CMBS strength. Other key contacts include Erin Apstein and Charles Bell, who provide assistance on a range of transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The DLA team comprised of Andrew Sroka and Erin Apstein is one of our go-tos for structured finance and securitization transactions. They are proactive, sensitive to deadlines, and always on the ball with what we need to deliver and when we need to deliver it. Andrew's team is excellent at running transactions from start to finish, and is always ready to hop on a call to address any questions, no matter how complex or ambiguous. We know we can count on Andy's team every step of the way, any time of year.’
‘Andrew (Andy) Sroka – deep knowledge of structured finance and securitization transactions; excellent at addressing niche, nuanced questions regarding interpretation of ambiguous and/or novel scenarios.'
- 'Charlie Bell is one of the most reliable associates we have worked with among all of our outside counsels. Charlie is fast, reliable, and intelligent.'
‘DLA's practice around structured finance transactions and securitization structuring is one of the best I've had the pleasure of working with. The team is very creative and thoughtful around complex topics. They provide insightful advice and have a great work ethic, as well as bringing lots of innovations around new ideas and structures to solve niche requirements in a constantly evolving environment.'
‘Joo Kim is an exceptionally talented CMBS attorney at DLA Piper, able to explain not only the "what" but the "why" in the industry.’
‘We have used the firm specifically for SASB CMBS given the expertise Joo Kim brought with her from her previous role. Her team is knowledgeable and very responsive.’
‘Joo Kim is a very knowledgeable partner with specific experience in the Canadian CMBS market that complements her extensive US experience, which makes her unique. She has detailed knowledge of the legal aspects and relays them in business-friendly terms. She is very hard-working and is always available and willing to provide guidance on multiple items.'
‘The partner in both my deals was Joo Kim. We have worked with her for a number of years. Joo is very knowledgeable in the CMBS Securitization space and always able to offer the right advice. Even if my matter may not be in her area, she is very resourceful and able to find me the expert quickly. She also has an impeachable commitment to the client – she is always patient, thorough and on top of things. She is a pleasure to work with, and we would likely continue with her on US related matters.'
Key clients
- Affirm, Inc.
- Ares
- Concord
- Duetti, Inc.
- HarbourView Equity Partners, LLC
- Lendbuzz Inc.
- BlackRock
- Goldman Sachs
- Together Financial Services Limited
- Irradiant Partners
- Nuveen
Work highlights
Advised Concord, a leading independent music company, on a historic approximately US$1.765 billion music securitization, issuing a series of new five-year, seven-year, and ten-year senior notes.
Advised Affirm in the structuring and documentation of Affirm’s master trust securitization shelf for its buy-now-pay-later loan products. Three issuances closed in 2025 for a total of US$2.85 billion in issued securities.
Advised Goldman Sachs on more than 20 CLO transactions, collectively valued at over US$10 billion.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Richard Reilly Jr.; Claire Hall
Other key lawyers
Grant Buerstetta; Joo Kim; Andrew Sroka; Jay Williams; Carlo Ingato; Eric Glickman; Erin Apstein; Charles Bell