Ranking tables

Banking & Finance: Transactional | USA

Florida

This section covers lending transactions and recognizes those working on behalf of lenders and borrowers. Both banks and alternative lenders, such as credit funds, are recognized as lenders. Transactions may include acquisition financings, refinancings and general lending. All structures and methods of credit facility are relevant to this chapter. In states where Project Finance is not recognized separately, such work may be submitted to that state's Banking & Finance section. While the financing of property transactions may be relevant as part of a broad practice, firms or lawyers with a financing practice which revolves entirely around this should submit to the relevant Real Estate section. Where a specific Real Estate: Finance section exists covering the same geographical area, property work should not be included in Banking & Finance submissions.

All Lawyers profiles

S

Senior Statespeople

  1. Stuart Ames
    S
    Stuart Ames
    Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A.
    Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A. | Banking & Finance: Transactional
    2026 | Senior Statespeople | 23 Years Ranked

    Stuart Ames acts for a range of financial institutions on transactions such as M&A and asset-based lending.

E

Eminent Practitioners

  1. José E Sirven
    E
    José E Sirven
    Holland & Knight LLP
    Holland & Knight LLP | Banking & Finance: Transactional
    2026 | Eminent Practitioners | 19 Years Ranked

    José Sirven has an outstanding reputation for his work in M&A and corporate finance. He regularly advises banks on cross-border matters involving Latin American parties, attracting clients with his fluency in Spanish and financing expertise.

1

Band 1

  1. Alcides Avila
    1
    Alcides Avila
    Avila Rodriguez Hernandez Mena & Garro LLP
    Avila Rodriguez Hernandez Mena & Garro LLP | Banking & Finance: Transactional
    2026 | Band 1 | 24 Years Ranked

    Alcides Avila attracts significant acclaim for his handling of regulatory and transactional banking matters. His notable proficiency in cross-border matters sees him regularly advising on matters with Latin American elements.

  2. Carlos Viana
    1
    Carlos Viana
    White & Case LLP
    White & Case LLP | Banking & Finance: Transactional
    2026 | Band 1 | 20 Years Ranked

    Carlos Viana regularly works on cross-border transactions, with a particular focus on matters involving project and acquisition finance.

  3. Emilio J Alvarez-Farré
    1
    Emilio J Alvarez-Farré
    Greenberg Traurig, LLP
    Greenberg Traurig, LLP | Banking & Finance: Transactional
    2026 | Band 1 | 23 Years Ranked

    Emilio Alvarez-Farré's transactional practice is highly respected by peers. He frequently acts on cross-border transactions involving Latin American parties, including leveraged buyouts and restructurings.

  4. Eric Klar
    1
    Eric Klar
    White & Case LLP
    White & Case LLP | Banking & Finance: Transactional
    2026 | Band 1 | 9 Years Ranked

    Eric Klar is well regarded for his expert representation of financial institutions in lending transactions.

  5. Fernando C Alonso
    1
    Fernando C Alonso
    Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
    Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP | Banking & Finance: Transactional
    2026 | Band 1 | 21 Years Ranked
    Fernando Alonso regularly advises financial institutions and companies on cross-border transactions, offering particular experience in representing global entities.
  6. Robert M Siegel
    1
    Robert M Siegel
    Bilzin Sumberg
    Bilzin Sumberg | Banking & Finance: Transactional
    2026 | Band 1 | 18 Years Ranked

    Robert Siegel is held in high esteem for his extensive finance practice, which sees him regularly handle big-ticket commercial and real estate finance transactions.

2

Band 2

  1. Carl A Fornaris
    2
    Carl A Fornaris
    Winston Taylor LLP
    Winston Taylor LLP | Banking & Finance: Transactional
    2026 | Band 2 | 22 Years Ranked

    Carl Fornaris has substantial experience in advising a broad selection of financial services entities on matters ranging from sanctions compliance to cryptocurrency regulation. He also regularly represents lenders in financing deals.

  2. Emilio Saiz
    2
    Emilio Saiz
    Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP
    Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP | Banking & Finance: Transactional
    2026 | Band 2 | 5 Years Ranked

    Emilio Saiz is recognized for his experience representing major institutions in a range of corporate and structured finance matters. He advises clients all across Latin America, with a particular focus on Brazil. Emilio is also noted for his expertise in aviation finance.

  3. Javier Alvarez
    2
    Javier Alvarez
    TA PLLC
    TA PLLC | Banking & Finance: Transactional
    2026 | Band 2 | 7 Years Ranked

    Javier Alvarez has built a strong reputation in the Florida banking space. He handles a range of transactional and regulatory matters for a cross-border client base.

  4. Peter Rahaghi
    2
    Peter Rahaghi
    Shutts & Bowen LLP
    Shutts & Bowen LLP | Banking & Finance: Transactional
    2026 | Band 2 | 4 Years Ranked

    Peter Rahaghi is routinely called upon to provide counsel on complex financings and acquisitions. His client base includes banks and investment advisory firms, among others.

  5. William C Arnhols
    2
    William C Arnhols
    Akerman LLP
    Akerman LLP | Banking & Finance: Transactional
    2026 | Band 2 | 15 Years Ranked

    William Arnhols regularly advises both international and US-based borrowers on instruments such as revolving credit facilities, with particular focus on acquisition finance. His practice also includes advising issuers.

  6. Zachary W Watt
    2
    Zachary W Watt
    Hill Ward Henderson
    Hill Ward Henderson | Banking & Finance: Transactional
    2026 | Band 2 | 3 Years Ranked

    Zachary Watt acts on behalf of both lenders and borrowers across a range of matters. He demonstrates notable strength in advising clients on acquisition financing, loan facilities and commercial lending transactions.

3

Band 3

  1. Alexandra Lehson
    3
    Alexandra Lehson
    Bilzin Sumberg
    Bilzin Sumberg | Banking & Finance: Transactional
    2026 | Band 3 | 4 Years Ranked

    Alexandra Lehson is an experienced lawyer who demonstrates considerable strength in handling complex financings and loan transactions. Her clients include borrowers and senior lenders.

  2. 3
    Anna Andreeva
    White & Case LLP
    White & Case LLP | Banking & Finance: Transactional
    2026 | Band 3 | 1 Years Ranked

    Anna Andreeva is a respected choice to handle banking and finance transactions. She has particular experience with cross-border work, most notably in Latin America, and her clients include well-known international banks. She is also experienced in aviation financing.

  3. Mark Denham
    3
    Mark Denham
    Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP
    Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP | Banking & Finance: Transactional
    2026 | Band 3 | 4 Years Ranked

    Mark Denham has a breadth of experience as an adviser to financial institutions and corporate clients. He is notably adept at providing counsel on acquisition financings and leasing transactions.

  4. Michael V Mitrione
    3
    Michael V Mitrione
    Gunster
    Gunster | Banking & Finance: Transactional
    2026 | Band 3 | 18 Years Ranked

    Michael Mitrione regularly acts on transactions such as financings and restructurings. He offers notable experience in advising Italian entities on cross-border work as a fluent Italian speaker.

  5. 3
    Richard P Puttré
    Winston Taylor LLP
    Winston Taylor LLP | Banking & Finance: Transactional
    2026 | Band 3 | 5 Years Ranked

    Richard Puttré has proven experience representing banking and project company clients in international project finance transactions. He has particular experience in the Latin American and Caribbean markets.

  6. Stephanie Kane
    3
    Stephanie Kane
    Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
    Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP | Banking & Finance: Transactional
    2026 | Band 3 | 4 Years Ranked

    Stephanie Kane is noted for her ability to handle matters on behalf of both borrower and lender clients. Her experience includes advising on complex acquisition financing and issues related to commercial loans.

  7. Susan Bennett
    3
    Susan Bennett
    Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A.
    Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A. | Banking & Finance: Transactional
    2026 | Band 3 | 3 Years Ranked

    Susan Bennett has experience advising clients on complex syndicated loan transactions. Her client list consists of highly distinguished banks, and she has notable expertise advising on real estate lending.

  8. Uriel A Mendieta
    3
    Uriel A Mendieta
    Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
    Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP | Banking & Finance: Transactional
    2026 | Band 3 | 3 Years Ranked

    Uriel A Mendieta is known for representing lender-side clients on a range of cross-border financing transactions. He has notable expertise in the project finance sector, with particular experience in Latin American markets.

U

Up and Coming

  1. Faisal Kraziem
    U
    Faisal Kraziem
    Holland & Knight LLP
    Holland & Knight LLP | Banking & Finance: Transactional
    2026 | Up and Coming | 3 Years Ranked

    Faisal Kraziem continues to assist on key banking and finance matters. He represents clients including financial institutions and borrowers in both domestic and cross-border lending transactions.

  2. Lara Rios
    U
    Lara Rios
    Holland & Knight LLP
    Holland & Knight LLP | Banking & Finance: Transactional
    2026 | Up and Coming | 6 Years Ranked

    Lara Rios is recognized for her work in the project financing space, where she assists both borrowers and direct lender clients. She has notable experience in the renewable energy and electric vehicles sectors.

Associates to watch

  1. Sabrina Rishmague
    Sabrina Rishmague
    Winston Taylor LLP
    Winston Taylor LLP | Banking & Finance: Transactional
    2026 | Associates to watch | 2 Years Ranked

    Sabrina Rishmague helps key banking clients obtain financing packages, along with advising on risk management and regulatory compliance matters. She is active in the transportation, sustainability and environmental sectors.