
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax
USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide
Rankings

Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
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
Work Highlights
Provided by Chambers
Dechert represented Ballyrock Investment Advisors LLC, as collateral manager, in connection to a $506 million new issue CLO.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
Dechert demonstrates extensive experience and expertise in the CLO market. They have long-standing, experienced partners backed by a larger team of associate and junior counsel. They are always responsive and have excellent technical capabilities.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSAThe Dechert team stands out for deep execution experience. Issues are anticipated and resolved in first drafts. They show sharp market judgment, are collaborative and and help us make fast, informed trade-offs.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSADechert's responsiveness and creative problem solving are the hallmark of the firm. They always prove to be one of the best firms particularly when matters are complex and sophisticated.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSADechert is always responsive and thorough. They always come prepared and provide very clear guidance for us to make solid business decisions. They provide views from all perspectives.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSADechert has shown a tremendous ability to think outside the box and use their commercial knowledge and expertise to address complex or unique situations.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSA
Notable Practitioners
Provided by Chambers
Band 1 
Band 1 
John M Timperio
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.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSA
Band 1 
Band 1 
Kenneth Hackman
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.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSA
Band 1 
Band 1 
William Cejudo
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.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSAWilliam is the go-to tax lawyer out there, bar none.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSAWill is one of the small number of people who knows the tax rules around RMBS.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSA
Band 2 
Band 2 
Christopher Duerden
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.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSAHis work on CLOs and rated feeders drive the fields forward and I trust him with complex or novel deal structures.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSA
Band 2 
Band 2 
Laura Swihart
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.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSA
Band 2 
Band 2 
Ralph Mazzeo
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.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSARalph is an excellent counsel who is approachable, smart, forward thinking and a pleasure to work with.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSARalph 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.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSA
Band 2 
Band 2 
Stewart McQueen
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.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSAStewart is a market leader in the commercial real estate securitization space. He is our go-to choice for CRE CLO advice.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSA
Band 3 
Band 3 
Andrew Pontano
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.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSAAndrew is thoughtful, smart and a great ally to have on a deal.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSAAndrew provides expertise, responsiveness and commercial guidance.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSAAndrew 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.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSAAndrew is an extremely knowledgeable attorney who has continually provided us the highest level of service.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSA
Band 4 
Band 4 
Lawton Camp
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.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSA
Band 4 
Band 4 
Melissa Wollis
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.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSAMelissa is super knowledgeable, fights for us in all of the right ways and delivers great client service.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSA
Up and Coming 
Up and Coming 
Dave Darr
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.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSADave 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.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSA
Up and Coming 
Up and Coming 
Kelly Mathews
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.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSA
Up and Coming 
Up and Coming 
Linda Ann Bartosch
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.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSALinda is an innovative, responsive and reliable lawyer.
Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax respondentUSA
Ranked Individuals at Dechert LLP (16)
Members
Provided by Dechert LLP

Melissa Wollis
View profile of Melissa Wollis
John M Timperio
View profile of John M Timperio
Christopher Duerden
View profile of Christopher Duerden
Linda Ann Bartosch
View profile of Linda Ann Bartosch
Dave Darr
View profile of Dave Darr
Kelly Mathews
View profile of Kelly Mathews
William Cejudo
View profile of William Cejudo
Lawton Camp
View profile of Lawton Camp
Ralph Mazzeo
View profile of Ralph Mazzeo
Laura Swihart
View profile of Laura Swihart
Kenneth Hackman
View profile of Kenneth Hackman
Stewart McQueen
View profile of Stewart McQueen
Andrew Pontano
View profile of Andrew Pontano
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