About

Provided by Dechert LLP

Cross-disciplinary service and innovative structures

Dechert’s securitization team handles large, complex products and structured finance transactions involving a wide variety of asset classes, derivatives and other complex structures.

We represent issuers, underwriters and other ABS participants in structuring both traditional debt obligations and novel securities transactions. 

With full access to Dechert’s resources in securities, tax, real estate, bankruptcy and other areas of corporate law that can affect the creditworthiness and attractiveness of an offering, we provide efficient, cross-disciplinary service, innovative structures and timely completion of our clients’ transactions, regardless of complexity or market conditions.

Dechert has a core team of professionals advising on the law, regulation, and practice of the development and execution of commodities and related derivative and structured transactions, products and vehicles. We have a unique perspective on the business and legal issues of primary importance to all market participants. Dechert regularly represents both buy-side and sell-side clients, including commercial and investment banks, in connection with a broad array of equity and fixed-income derivative transactions.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Capital Markets: Securitization: CMBS - USA - Nationwide

2
Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Dechert LLP is a respected team renowned for its prowess in handling CLO transactions, particularly those pertaining to the real estate market. The firm possesses additional strength in commercial mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities, and is able to provide thought leadership on emerging and evolving regulatory requirements on a cross-border scale, with a particularly strong focus on risk retention matters.

Work Highlights

  • Dechert represented Ballyrock Investment Advisors LLC, as collateral manager, in connection to a $506 million new issue CLO.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

John M Timperio
1
John M Timperio
1
Band 1
Co-chair of the firm's global finance practice and real estate practice, John Timperio has earned an impressive reputation in the market for financing new and established CLOs.

John is the gold standard. His knowledge of the CLO market is unmatched.

Kenneth Hackman
1
Kenneth Hackman
1
Band 1
Kenneth Hackman boasts the ability to act for borrower and lender-side clients on single-family rental loans.

Ken is a fantastic leader. His ability to simplify complex issues with thoughtful solutions truly stands out.

William Cejudo
1
William Cejudo
1
Band 1
William Cejudo exhibits particular strength in advising clients on developments in the tax market and he comes recommended for his deep expertise in real estate-related transactions.

Will is one of the most creative structured finance tax partners in the business. He is knowledgeable, creative and efficient.

William is the go-to tax lawyer out there, bar none.

Will is one of the small number of people who knows the tax rules around RMBS.

Christopher Duerden
2
Christopher Duerden
2
Band 2
Christopher Duerden supports clients with transactions involving midmarket CLOs.

I have unfailingly found Christopher to be extremely thorough, commercial, responsive, knowledgeable and clear in his communications and explanations.

His work on CLOs and rated feeders drive the fields forward and I trust him with complex or novel deal structures.

Laura Swihart
2
Laura Swihart
2
Band 2

Laura Swihart is the co-chair of the global finance and real estate practice groups. She regularly acts for issuers and underwriters on a broad range of securitization transactions.

Laura is an exceptional legal mind with savvy business acumen, strong emotional intelligence and excellent judgment.

Ralph Mazzeo
2
Ralph Mazzeo
2
Band 2
Ralph Mazzeo has an established RMBS practice where he advises a variety of clients, including originators, sponsors and issuers.

He is always out there looking out for us and suggesting new things.

Ralph is an excellent counsel who is approachable, smart, forward thinking and a pleasure to work with.

Ralph takes an interest in his clients’ overall business goals and provides service based on that wholistic framework. He’s an expert in his field but also a full service partner.

Stewart McQueen
2
Stewart McQueen
2
Band 2

Stewart McQueen is sought after by various interested parties for advice on CRE CLO transactions. His clients range from issuers to collateral managers. He is also recognized for his expertise in advising on CMBS.

Stewart really knows his market and he has a ton of good knowledge to leverage.

Stewart is a market leader in the commercial real estate securitization space. He is our go-to choice for CRE CLO advice.

Andrew Pontano
3
Andrew Pontano
3
Band 3
Andrew Pontano efficiently advises on a variety of ABS transactions and leads the firm's asset finance and securitization group.

Andrew stands out for concise, commercial guidance in ABS matters. He doesn’t just give legal options, he frames each path in terms of economics, execution risk and current market standards.

Andrew is thoughtful, smart and a great ally to have on a deal.

Andrew provides expertise, responsiveness and commercial guidance.

Andrew is a fantastic attorney who makes us feel like we are his only client. He is able to apply his knowledge and commercial awareness to our matters to ensure we reach the best solution for the company.

Andrew is an extremely knowledgeable attorney who has continually provided us the highest level of service.

Lawton Camp
4
Lawton Camp
4
Band 4
Lawton Camp serves a client base of domestic and foreign financial institutions on a range of securitization matters. His experience includes advising on auto loans and consumer loans.

Lawton cares as much about the outcome of the matters as we do. You really feel that he is in the trenches with you.

Melissa Wollis
4
Melissa Wollis
4
Band 4

Melissa Wollis is a partner in Dechert's global finance practice. She centers her practice on proficiently advising investment managers on CLO transactions.

I have worked with Melissa for several years and have always been impressed by her level of detail, dedication and responsiveness.

Melissa is super knowledgeable, fights for us in all of the right ways and delivers great client service.

Dave Darr
U
Dave Darr
U
Up and Coming
Dave Darr's comprehension of midmarket CLOs earns him praise from clients and peers alike.

Dave knows the details of rating agency methodologies in and out and he is very good at dissecting arguments and constructing well-reasoned positions.

Dave is one of the hardest working lawyers I've ever had the privilege to work with. Combine that with his incredible knowledge of legal documentation and he is a go-to resource for deal help.

Kelly Mathews
U
Kelly Mathews
U
Up and Coming

Kelly Mathews is an up-and-coming partner in Dechert's Charlotte office who is recognized for his expertise in collateralized loan obligations as well as other securitization matters.

Kelly is an incredible resource. His commitment and dedication is unsurpassed.

Linda Ann Bartosch
U
Linda Ann Bartosch
U
Up and Coming

Linda Ann Bartosch is a particularly strong adviser for placement agents in connection with single family rental mandates, as part of her broader real estate finance practice. She operates out of the firm's Philadelphia office.

Linda is very thoughtful, commercial and even-tempered.

Linda is an innovative, responsive and reliable lawyer.

Ranked Lawyers at
Dechert LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

USA - Nationwide

Capital Markets: Securitization: ABS

Andrew Pontano
3
Andrew Pontano
3
Band 3
Lawton Camp
4
Lawton Camp
4
Band 4
Capital Markets: Securitization: CLOs

John M Timperio
1
John M Timperio
1
Band 1
Christopher Duerden
2
Christopher Duerden
2
Band 2
Melissa Wollis
4
Melissa Wollis
4
Band 4
Dave Darr
U
Dave Darr
U
Up and Coming
Kelly Mathews
U
Kelly Mathews
U
Up and Coming
Capital Markets: Securitization: CMBS

Laura Swihart
3
Laura Swihart
3
Band 3
Stewart McQueen
3
Stewart McQueen
3
Band 3
Capital Markets: Securitization: CRE CLOs

Laura Swihart
2
Laura Swihart
2
Band 2
Stewart McQueen
2
Stewart McQueen
2
Band 2
Capital Markets: Securitization: RMBS

Ralph Mazzeo
2
Ralph Mazzeo
2
Band 2
Linda Ann Bartosch
U
Linda Ann Bartosch
U
Up and Coming
Capital Markets: Securitization: Single Family Rental

Kenneth Hackman
1
Kenneth Hackman
1
Band 1
Linda Ann Bartosch
U
Linda Ann Bartosch
U
Up and Coming
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax

William Cejudo
1
William Cejudo
1
Band 1