Vedder

Representing lenders, government agencies, manufacturers, and operators, the team at Vedder has extensive experience managing domestic and international leasing and debt financing. The firm is well-placed to handle railcar purchases and securitizations of railcar portfolios, with experience with both borrowers and lenders. Based in Chicago, Geoffrey Kass leads the team alongside fellow Chicago-based Michael Draz, who undertakes a range of portfolio acquisitions and divestitures. New York’s Jeffrey Veber is well-versed in cross-border leveraged leases and asset purchase agreements. In Chicago, Joel Thielen excels in representing private equity funds, hedge funds, and commercial banks. Clay Thomas, in Los Angeles, is a key name in investment fund formations and joint ventures. Rounding out the team in Chicago is Jillian Musa, who has experience handling the establishment of offshore leasing platforms and matters involving syndicated equity. John Bycraft retired in December 2024.