Capital Markets: Securitization: CLOs | USA

Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP is an industry leader in CMBS and CLOs, including standout capabilities in CRE CLOs. The firm has an exceptionally large team of securitization lawyers based across the US that are able to respond to the most complex transactional issues, as well as provide counsel on risk retention regulations. Clients include issuers, underwriters and investors, among others.

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.

Milbank LLP is an established market presence across the country for alternative investment structures, utilizing its strong nationwide and cross-border capabilities. The firm is frequently sought out by managers and arrangers for high-end advice on complex CLO transactions and has a particular niche in aircraft securitization, with experience using CLOs to finance these vehicles.

Paul Hastings LLP is an expert outfit in the CLO space with experience advising arrangers and collateral managers. The attorneys possess extensive knowledge of key regulatory requirements and are also skilled in handling cash and synthetic products, as well as assisting with securitization in the context of distressed debt. The group also benefits from a strong international presence, enabling it to handle cross-border transactions.

A&O Sherman is a renowned team which is well placed to offer advice on a wide range of sophisticated securitization transactions. The firm's extensive CLO expertise and ability to advise on an array of traditional ABS structures makes it a strong choice for clients seeking advice on international matters.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP is praised for its work on CLOs. The firm is able to draw upon a superlative regulatory team to stay abreast of the most recent legislative developments in the field, with in-depth expertise in risk retention matters and the application of the Volcker Rule. Clients include investment banks, private equity firms and multinational conglomerates.

Clifford Chance LLP is a diverse practice with strength in the CLO space. It also demonstrates extensive knowledge of the mortgage market, with noted expertise in REMICs, RMBS and CMBS. The firm is capable of securitizing other traditional and novel assets and has strength in all aspects of the deal structures, including advising on the tax aspects of deals. Supported by offices in other jurisdictions, Clifford Chance is well positioned to handle a broad range of cross-border transactions.

Latham & Watkins LLP is a highly regarded CLO group that frequently represents asset managers in the full range of sophisticated transactions. The firm is also noted for its expertise in dealing with innovative market products and securitization techniques. The attorneys in the securitization team are adept at handling ABS matters involving the securitization of aircraft, rental car fleets and cell tower assets, among others.

Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP is a strong structured finance practice with a broad range of capabilities across the transactional and regulatory space. Its lawyers represent an array of major players in the market, including managers, issuers, placement agents and investors. The practice is noted for its successful CLO offering in which it regularly represents collateral managers, as well as its work on private equity fund formations for the purpose of securitization. The team also possesses notable expertise in tax-related transactional requirements.

Chapman and Cutler LLP's strengths include CLOs and ABS transactions. The firm advises clients on commercial paper, auto loans and leases, and trade receivables securitizations. It also provides ongoing advice and interpretation regarding developing regulatory standards. The attorneys are able to represent a broad range of clients in transactions and the firm is especially recommended for its trustee practice.

DLA Piper LLP (US) boasts notable expertise in CLOs, having assisted with numerous transactions in the market. The firm has a strong team that is well placed to handle new issuances and extensive expertise in deal-related risk retention rules.

Mayer Brown LLP has an impressive team with a very deep bench of lawyers advising across a broad range of securitization transactions, including mortgage-backed securities and ABS. Key areas of strength include consumer loans, most notably in the form of credit cards. The firm also possesses relevant regulatory knowledge and draws on its strong cross-border network in multicountry trade receivables securitization. Related expertise in tax makes it a destination firm for all aspects of a deal.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP boasts comprehensive strength in commercial mortgage-backed securities, complemented by more specialized expertise in asset-backed securities, such as aircraft engine lease and credit card receivables, as well as more esoteric assets. Orrick is also a leading firm for the securitization of PACE assets, with attorneys regularly advising clients on regulatory issues, including Dodd-Frank-related risk retention.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is a highly respected choice for a range of complex securitization transactions across different asset classes. The attorneys are frequently sought out by clients developing new and innovative product types and has notable experience advising on traditional ABS, as well as CLO securitizations. The firm possesses additional experience providing counsel on EU and US risk retention rules.

White & Case LLP has a wealth of expertise in advising clients on complex financings and a range of securitizations. The practice is noted for the even breadth of experience across asset classes, regularly representing underwriters in sophisticated CLOs, and is highly regarded for its versatile whole business securitization practice. The attorneys benefit from the support of strong teams in other jurisdictions.

Winston & Strawn LLP is a recognized securitization practice able to handle a range of structures, with particular expertise in CLOs. It is well respected for its strong issuer representation and is also able to advise underwriters in complex transactions, as well as showcasing strong PACE experience.