Dechert LLP represents clients in securitization matters spanning a vast assortment of asset classes from the traditional to the esoteric. It is adept at advising clients in public and private securities as well as warehouse facilities. The firm is also knowledgeable in the growing market surrounding automobile loan-backed securities, regularly advising credit unions. The practice is led by Charlotte-based Stewart McQueen and Christopher Duerden as well as New York-based Andrew Pontano. McQueen is expert in assisting issuers, underwriters and buyers in CMBSs and CRE CLOs, whilst Duerden advises on CLOs broadly as well as leveraged loan warehouse facilities. Pontano is well-equipped to handle a wide array of mortgage finance transactions, including RMBS, CMBS, SFRs and CRE CLOs. Out of New York, Laura Swihart compounds the firm’s strength in commercial real estate securitization, advising issuers, underwrites, mortgage loan sellers and subordinate bond buyers. John Timpero, situated in Charlotte, is noted for his work in the CLO space and is versed in structures compliant with risk retention requirements across jurisdictions. Sarah Milam is experienced in a wide number of asset types, including unsecured consumer loans, automobile loans, SFRs, timeshares and solar loans.

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Key clients

  • Arbor Realty Trust, Inc.
  • Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC
  • Centerbridge Partners, LP
  • Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.
  • Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation
  • Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
  • First Help Financial LLC
  • Golub Capital
  • Goldman Sachs International
  • Invesco, Inc.
  • MidCap Financial Trust
  • Pagaya US Holding Company LLC
  • Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
  • REVL Securities LLC
  • Stifel Financial Corp.
  • Wellington Management CLO Advisors LLC

Work highlights

  • Advised on Golub’s 69th CLO involving the securitization of collateral obligations consisting of middle-market loans and participation interests, resulting in a transaction valued at over US$1.3billion.
  • Advised Stifel Financial Corp. and BofA Securities, Inc. as underwriters on four separate offerings of automobile loan-backed securities in 2023.
  • Acted as loan seller's and/or underwriter's counsel on 22 out of 23 deals in the Freddie Mac-sponsored Q-Series.

Lawyers

Leading lawyers
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Stewart McQueen, Christopher Duerden, Andrew Pontano

Other key lawyers

Laura Swihart, John Timperio, Sarah Milam, Ralph Mazzeo