With ‘an extremely deep bench’, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP is highly experienced in securitizations transaction, including ABS, CLO, CMBS and RMBS transactions. The firm advises all forms of market participants, from investment banks and issuers to funds and private equity sponsors. From New York, Mike Gambro supports major investment banks and government-sponsored enterprises on complex securitization transactions and is co-lead of the practice. Stuart Goldstein, based in Charlotte and fellow co-lead, shows particularly skill in CRE CLO market. Neil Weidner is a noted member of the practice in New York working on both the buy- and sell-side of securitizations in the insurance and medical real estate spaces. Washington DC-based Sophie Cuthbertson is spearheading the firm’s drive to develop products non-traditional lenders. Adam Risell, also operating out of DC, is noted for his work across a wide range of securitization types, including those backed by pools of middle market loans, syndicated corporate loans, student loans and ABS. In January 2023, Michael Ruder was promoted to partner in DC, while in April 2023, Ryan McNaughton joined the practice in New York from King & Spalding LLP. Michelle Abad left the firm in March 2023 for an in-house position.

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.

The ‘first-class’ team at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP offers a wide range of services to its securitization clients. It is knowledgeable in various asset-types, including agricultural, small business, residential mortgage-backed, consumer and auto loans. Its experience includes involves advising on litigation finance, ABS and synthetic credit risk transfer securitizations. The firm is an active counsel to issuers and underwriters of ABS and mortgage-backed securities in particular. Mike Nedzbala, in Richmond co-leads the practice whilst specializing in secondary market transactions concerning residential mortgage loans and servicing rights. His fellow lead, Brent Lewis, advises on regulatory matters out of New York for issuers and underwriters in residential and commercial mortgage loan-backed securitizations. New Yorker Brit Mohler Dufilho is well-versed in residential mortgage servicing rights securitizations, advising lenders including investment banks and funds. Also located in New York, Thomas Hiner is experienced in handling bespoke esoteric and novel asset-based financings, in addition to his prowess in traditional asset-based securitizations. Richmond-based Cecelia Phillips Horner overseas the tax aspects of her clients’ secured financings, domestic and international. Janet Sadler McCrae, situated in New York, advises banks and issuers on matters concerning notable asset-types, such as residential mortgage loans, servicing advances and synthetic credit risk transfers.

Containing ‘top notch talent’, Mayer Brown assists clients in an array of asset types, particularly residential mortgage loans, SFR loans and servicing rights. Its mortgage practice loan practice is of particularly note, with experience in seasoned, subprime and conforming mortgage loans, as well as home equity conversion loans. Co-head of practice, Julie Gillespie advises on securitizations of traditional and esoteric assets, including credit card receivables, personal loans, solar loans, auto loans and student loans. Ger O’Donnell is the practice’s fellow co-head, with expertise in warehouse financing and whole loan purchases. Jon Van Gorp is proficient in matters surrounding mortgage-backed securities. Angela Ulum centers her work on the auto and equipment sectors. She is adept at handling matters for all forms of market participants, including issuers, borrowers and investment banks. Stuart Litwin’s client base is equally diverse, advising on domestic and international securities transactions for originators, warehouse lenders, underwriters and investors. New York-based Ryan Suda is a CLO specialist, with expertise in regulatory matters in this space. Unless otherwise specified, lawyers are based in Chicago.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP assists clients, particularly underwriters and issuers, in securitization matters across a plethora of industries, from automotive and real estate to telecoms and tech. Its clients include investment funds, credit unions, banks and other financial institutions as sponsors, lenders, purchasers and issuers. Its expertise includes assistance on CLO, second lien mortgaged loan, HELOC and personal loan-backed securitizations. Reed Auerbach, based in New York and head of practice, supports underwriters and issuers in ABS, MBS ad CLO offerings and is experienced in a wide range of asset classes, including auto loan receivables, student loans, consumer loans, credit card receivables and solar loans. Washington DC-based Paul St. Lawrence strengthens the firm’s CLO offering. Asa Herald, in DC, is noted as issuer’s counsel for securitization matters regarding RMBS, mortgage loans and credit card receivables. Matthew Joseph spearheads the firm’s work in the growing unsecured consumer loans securitization market from New York. In DC, Mark Riccardi is equipped to handle the regulatory and structural considerations surrounding securitizations.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP’s team offers expertise in a broad range of ABS types, including esoterics and traditional. The firm advises on securitizations in the oil & gas, whole-business and automotive spaces. The addition of Orion Mountainspring and his team in November 2023 from Chapman and Cutler LLP has also strengthened its showing in credit card securitizations. With a ‘great knack for quickly understanding newer asset classes’, Robert Moyle leads the team, focusing on registered and unregistered securitization transactions for sellers, buyers and underwriters. Leah Sanzari stands out for her work on novel and esoteric assets, including tax liens and credits, diamond receivables as well as solar and wind ground leases. She also has a strong presence in relation to oil & gas securitizations. Michael Mitchell, located in Washington, DC, is a veteran consumer ABS lawyer with particular focus on credit card securitizations. Howard Goldwasser specializes in CLOs and CDOs, with insight into various jurisdictions risk retention rules. The team is based in New York, unless stated otherwise.

A&O Shearman’s team is competent in matters concerning a range of ABS types as well as CLOs. It is well-versed in securities backed by assets in the renewable energy, automotive and aviation space. It is also knowledgeable in credit card securitizations. On the CLO side of the practice, the firm advises arrangers, collateral managers and anchor investors. The team is led by John Hwang, Lawrence Berkovich and Chris Jackson. Hwang maintains a broad practice, advising on CLOs and esoteric securitizations, including securitizations of solar and auto loans and student loans. Berkovich compounds the CLO practice, working on syndicated, private credit and middle-market CLOs as well as CLO refinancings. Jackson handles clients across the market, from investors to issues to fund managers. Luke Maiman is a noted associate working on CLO warehousing, public and private market transactions and CLO restructurings. Derek Poon is comfortable handling domestic and cross-border securitizations for sponsors, underwriters and issuers. All lawyers are based in New York.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton advises investors, asset managers and underwriters in a broad suite of asset-backed securitizations, including on novel structures. The firm particularly focuses on CLO matters and is well-acquainted with compliance and regulatory issues surrounding risk-retention requirements. Michael Mazzuchi, who advises on CBOs, synthetic debt securities and CLOs on a domestic and international level, leads the team alongside Macey Levington, whose practice includes CLOs and securitizations of receivables. Within the team, John McGill advises asset managers and investment banks on a range of CLO matters. Amber Phillips is also noted for her work assisting in MBS transactions and asset-based lending arrangements. Nora McCloskey Sines, as an associate, assists arrangers, lenders and asset managers in transactional, regulatory and enforcement matters. All lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Clifford Chance offers clients a broad range of support in the securitizations sector, including with CLO matters. It is especially equipped to handle matters in the real estate space, such as matters concerning RMBS, CMBS and CRE CLOs. The firm is also equipped to assist clients in the growing student loans-backed and vehicle loans-backed securitization markets. Robert Villani, who advises major CLO managers on issuance and investment matters, is also well versed in consumer lending and ABS acquisitions and financings. He leads the practice alongside Lee Askenazi, who has particular expertise in residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, credit risk transfers, CLOs and CDOs. Gareth Old, qualified in multiple jurisdictions, advises on regulatory matters for securities and capital relief transactions. Rebecca O’Brien, who was promoted to partner in May 2023, specializes in CLOs and private credit matters. Jim Cotins has significant expertise in matters relating to commercial real estate, including CMBS, CRE CLOs, SFR securitizations and net-lease securitizations. All lawyers are in New York.

Dentons advises a wide range of clients, such as issuers, underwriters, investors, lenders and originators, on all manner of securitization matters. The firm’s MBS practice is notable in particular, covering the gamut, from RMBS to CMBS. It is also well-versed in securitizations of non-qualified mortgage loans, non-performing and re-performing loans, as well as SDR properties. Stephen Kudenholdt heads the practice whilst focusing his own work on RMBS and other ABS types for issuers, underwriters and loan sellers. Fellow head Erik Klingenberg further compounds the RMBS work, with experience in work connected to CMBS and other structured products also. Scott Swerdloff adds insight into public and private resecuritizations to the firm’s repertoire, while Robert Olin is noted for his MBS work, including assisting in the sale, servicing and purchase of whole loan mortgages. In March 2023, both Jessica Rebarber and Victoria Lee, whose expertise includes credit facilities secured by SFR and residential mortgage loans, were promoted to partner. All lawyers mentioned practice out of New York.

DLA Piper LLP (US) advises clients across the ABS and CLO markets, with lawyers experienced in traditional and non-traditional asset classes. It regularly advises banks and asset managers on their CLO concerns. The firm is also very present in the music royalties-backed securities market. Head of practice Richard Reilly Jr. is experienced in domestic and international CLO matters, advising leading investment banks and firms in the area. Los Angeles-based Claire Hall advises clients on esoteric ABS securitizations, including music royalties, solar leases and LIHTC portfolio-derived cash flows. Jay Williams maintains a diversified ABS practice, advising on CRE, media rights, C-PACE and repo financings matters. Based in Boston, Andrew Sroka adds to the firm’s expertise in different asset classes, with knowledge on esoteric asset classes including student loans, trade receivables, tobacco settlement fee awards and escrow rights, and IP royalties. Unless otherwise stated, lawyers are based in New York.

Katten advises clients on traditional and non-traditional securitizations transactions, including mortgage loan facilities, warehouse facilities and auto loans. The firm is strong in regulatory matters, supporting captive finance companies, independents and banks. Anna-Liza Harris, who heads the practice out of Washington DC, concentrates on tax matters surrounding a swathe of securitizations, including ABS, RMBS and multi-family mortgage-backed securitizations at a domestic and international level. Fellow practice head Howard Schickler sits in New York and is expert in numerous types of asset-backed transactions, from mortgages, credit card receivables and small business loans to auto loans, equipment leases, medical receivables and royalties. Strengthening the New York practice, Chris DiAngelo advises banks, government entities and financial institutions on novel transactions across industries. In June 2023, Claudine Chen-Young left the firm, whilst in August 2023, Dallas-based Emmanuel Mevs was made partner.

King & Spalding LLP advises issuers, underwriters and investors on matters across the securitization market, with particular strength in digital infrastructure securitizations, including data center, fiber and telecommunications. The firm also maintains a strong practice across the ABS and receivables securitization spaces. The ‘unflappable’ Jonathan Arkins, based in Miami, advises on a range of asset types, from the traditional to the esoteric, including data centers, IP license streams, ground lease pools and equipment rental receivables. Jeff Misher is well-versed in ABS and CLO transactions for lenders sponsors and issuers. Working out of Washington DC, David Ridenour expertise covers the gambit of asset-backed securitizations; he is experienced in mortgage servicing rights, tax liens, solar loans, equipment loans, small business loans and SFR securitizations. Arkins, Misher and Ridenour jointly lead the firm’s practice. Within the team, Katy Berger and Nika Silva are noted members of the practice for their work on securitizations and other specialty finance transactions. In April 2023, Michael Urschel and Ryan McNaughton left the firm. Unless stated otherwise, lawyers are in New York.

Advising both financial institutions and companies across a wide range of industries as issuers, Kirkland & Ellis LLP is well-placed to advise on numerous classes of assets, including in equipment loans, commercial and residential real estate loans, auto loans and dealer floorplan loans. Jeffrey O’Connor leads the practice out of Chicago alongside Janette McMahan in New York. O’Connor maintains a strong ABS practices, with experience in industries ranging from the auto and equipment sectors to oil & gas and healthcare. McMahan is well-practiced in the auto loan and lease sector also, as well as having significant experience in relation to marketplace loans trade receivables transactions. Rudgee Charles and Joel Weinberger provide notable expertise to the team, practicing in Dallas and Chicago respectively. Michael Urschel joined the New York office in June 2024 from Milbank, contributing significant experience across the securitization market.

Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP supports clients on matters across diverse asset classes, advising on residential and commercial PACE, auto loans and timeshare loans securitizations. The firm is also competent on credit risk transfer, recurring revenue loans and IP matters. Co-lead Gilbert Liu is practiced in a range of esoteric asset classes, including solar assets, timeshare loans, venture loans, life science loans, equipment leases, IP licensing rights and music royalties. Fellow co-lead Laurence Pettit advises underwriters, lenders and institutional investors on warehouse loans transactions, specializing in the burgeoning commercial and residential PACE sector. Jamie Kocis, the third co-lead, is well-versed in esoteric securitizations, including matters relating to warehousing facilities and term securitizations. Terry Novetsky joined the firm in January 2023 from King & Spalding LLP. Mentioned lawyers are based in New York.

Latham & Watkins LLP’s practice is diverse, advising on CLO and novel securitization matters alike. The firm’s ABS experience includes advising on data center, oil & gas, short-term vacation rental homes and shipping container leases securitizations. On the CLO side, the firm is well-versed in the acquisition of CLO management contracts and managers as well as in the establishment of CLO equity and risk retention funds. Matthew Hays leads the US practice from Chicago, advising on public and private securitizations as well as warehouse facilities, asset sale and forward flow transactions. Loren Finegold supports issuers, borrowers, investors and investment advisors on a range of securitizations backed digital infrastructure and telecommunications assets. Kevin Fingeret supplements the firm’s esoteric securitization expertise, being knowledgeable in music royalties, cell tower, logistics facilities, rental car fleet and aircraft securitizations. If not specified, lawyers practice in New York.

Milbank’s practice stands out for experience in CLO and securitization matters, with CLO work including supporting alternative asset managers in novel CLO types. The firm is also well-practiced in securitizations backed by a range of asset classes, including esoterics; the firm advises on whole business, digital infrastructure and real estate securitizations. The firm expanded its practice with the addition of Lawrence Wee from Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in May 2023.  Sean Solis leads the team and concentrates on CLO matters and complex financings for asset managers, arrangers and issuers. Weiss further supports the firm’s esoteric securitizations expertise, advising underwriters and issuers in such matters. All lawyers are based in New York. Michael Urschel left the firm in June 2024.

Paul Hastings LLP maintains a strong focus on CLO matters for its clients, with a particular strength in CLO issuance-related matters. Its broad clientele includes arrangers, collateral managers, lenders borrowers and investors. Eugene Ferrer supports investment banks, issuers, investors and end-users in a variety of securitized products, especially CLOs, with expertise in middle market and syndicated loan facilities also. CLO expert Nicole Skalla advises many of the firm’s largest client banks, including JPMorgan, Citigroup, Barclays and Morgan Stanley, on matters concerning CLO transactions. Nicole Bright was promoted to partner in February 2023 and has developed a strong CLO specialization in her own right, advising investment banks and collateral managers. Nick Robinson and Tracy Feng joined the firm from A&O Shearman in April 2023. Scott Faga retired in February 2023. All lawyers mentioned practice in New York.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP has standout capabilities in the IP and whole-business securitization spaces- in particular, the firm offers great experience in the media and entertainment industry, working on novel structures surrounding music rights, sports financing slate deals and film-financing slate deals. Charles Pesant is adept at handling multiplatform and esoteric structured financings, as well as CLOs and related regulatory issues. Robert Zochowski Jr. assists public and private companies, financial institutions and investment funds on a range of traditional as well as esoteric securitizations, with experience in a range of asset classes including royalties, fiber optic networks and energy projects. Jordan Yarett is experienced in a range of novel securitization matters, including those surrounding IP-related whole-business loans, cash flow secured franchise loans and rated time share loans. Anastasia Peterson’s experience includes advising on warehouse facilities, receivables and forward flow agreements, and was promoted to partner in 2023. In May 2023, Lawrence Wee left the firm. All lawyers mentioned are situated in New York.

The expertise of the ‘extremely knowledgeable’ team at Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP encompasses a broad range of securitization matters, with capabilities in numerous asset classes, from litigation funding to solar energy loans to life settlements. The firm also maintains a strong CLO capability, with experience handling arbitrage cash flow CLOs. Craig Stein, practice co-head, specializes in CLO matters for key clients at the firm. His fellow practice head, Boris Ziser, focuses on securitizations across an array of asset classes, including life settlements, equipment leases, lottery receivables, timeshare loans and litigation funding. Adam Singer, who was promoted to partner in January 2023, advises underwriters, issuers, lenders and borrowers in a broad range of asset classes. Andrea Mandell leads on tax matters surrounding the securitization space. Phillip Azzollini is noted for his work on warehouse transactions and private CLO offerings. All lawyers mentioned are in New York.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP advises leading investment firms and banks, as well as other financial institutions, on the issuance and financing of traditional and esoteric asset-backed securitizations. When it comes to esoteric ABS matters, the firm is well-versed in pharmaceutical and music royalties, diamond sales receivables and oil & gas sales. The firm is additionally experienced in the establishment of CLO vehicles for its clients. On top of leading the practice, Frank Nocco represents a broad range of clients, including issuers, underwriters, investors and collateral managers, in their securitization matters, across traditional or novel asset classes. Shawn Kodes advises leading asset managers and other financial institutions as well as being experienced in guiding entities through their first securitization transactions. Jason Smith is accustomed to an assortment of asset classes, such as rental car fleet financings, vehicle and equipment fleet leases, solar loans, student loans and royalty receivables. Matt Nemeth is also noted for his work in the traditional and esoteric asset classes sectors. All lawyers are in New York.

The team at White & Case LLP offers experience in traditional and esoteric asset-backed securitizations, especially whole business and rental car securitizations, as well as CLO transactions. The firm advises on both the regulatory and transactional side of its clients’ matters at the domestic and international level. Gary Kashar heads the practice, whilst David Thatch handles esoteric securitizations, including whole business securitizations, for the firm’s corporate and investment banking clients. Elizabeth Devine is well-versed in asset-backed financings across a swathe of asset classes, including automotive and whole business, for underwriters and issuers. All lawyers practice in New York. Jim Fogarty departed the firm in November 2024.

Winston & Strawn LLP assists clients in traditional and novel securitizations. In addition to its strength in CLOs and MBS transactions, the firm is experienced in the PACE, solar, wind, aircraft, equipment leasing and transportation asset classes. Francisco Flores, practicing in Los Angeles, advises issuers and underwriters in securitizations across numerous asset classes, including residential and commercial mortgages, automobile loans, home equity loans, lottery receivables and student loans. Flores leads the team alongside Chris Gavin, who sits in New York and advises on RMBS matters as well as collateralized commercial paper programs and other ABS matters. Also in New York, Pete Morgan is experienced in both public and private securitizations as well as warehouse financings. Chicago-based Michael Mullins supports clients, from asset managers and finance companies to asset managers, in CLO matters.

Alston & Bird LLP works across a broad range of asset classes, including traditional and esoteric assets such as equipment loans, commercial and residential mortgage loans, credit card receivables, aircraft and auto loans as well as floor plan and insurance premium finance loans. Its SFR experience includes advising on securitizations relating to stabilized and non-stabilized properties, build-to-rent properties and mortgaged and non-mortgaged properties. New York-based Shanell Cramer, whose expertise includes commercial and residential mortgage loans and SFR transactions, leads the practice alongside Tara Castillo in Washington DC, who counsels borrowers and issuers at a domestic and international level. Aimee Cummo practices out of New York and specializes in SFR-related matters. In January 2023, Steve Blevit joined the Los Angeles office from Sidley Austin LLP, whilst Charlotte-based Lindsey Deere and New York-based Jon Ruiss were made partner. Mark Harris and Michael Thimmig left the firm in July 2023. Peter Barwick retired in September 2023.

Arnold & Porter’s practice combines experience in ABS, RMBS, CMBS, ABCP and CLO matters, with its team assisting in both transactional and issuance matters for its clients in a broad spectrum of industries which includes real estate and aviation. Daniel Hartnett, based in Chicago, is experienced in securitization and CLO – including CRE CLO – transactions with expertise in an array of asset classes, such as residential commercial real estate, aviation, agriculture and synthetic assets and loans. He runs the practice with Scott Berson in New York, who focuses on receivables transactions for commercial banks, companies and other financial institutions. Also in New York, Henry Morriello advises clients on ABCP transactions concerning traditional and esoteric assets, whilst San Francisco-based Catherine Young Hagerty is experienced in debt financings across industry sectors, including construction, engineering, healthcare, retail and manufacturing. In January 2023, Hagerty joined the firm from Norton Rose Fulbright.

Eversheds Sutherland, with particular strength in MBS securitizations, advises on CLOs and securitizations in an array of asset classes, including corporate bonds, commercial loans and consumer loans. The firm is additionally experienced in synthetic life insurance products. Practicing in Washington, DC, Lisa Rosen is co-lead of the practice, possessing particular expertise in matters relating real estate finance for national and international investors. Fellow co-lead, John Benson practices in New York and specializes in REMIC regulations and commercial mortgage origination and loan servicing. Atlanta-based Brennan Posner supports financial institutions and investment managers in ABS transactions, CLO transactions and warehouse facilities. Thomas Dugan, who works in DC, works on conduit, single asset single borrower, SFR, data center and whole business loan securitizations.

Norton Rose Fulbright supports all forms of market participants, such as issuers, warehouse-lenders, underwriters, servicers and investors, in their securitizations and warehouse financings. The firm is experienced in a range of asset classes, including esoteric assets like solar loans, property-assessed clean energy bonds, pharmaceutical royalties and aircraft leases. This expertise encompasses domestic and international securitization issues. In New York, Patrick Dolan, who specializes in asset- and mortgage-backed securitizations for issuers underwriters and investors, and Andrew Coronios, who works on syndicated credit facilities, ABCP conduits and various ABS securitization types, lead the practice. Eric Tashman in San Francisco and Matt Hughey in New York are noted within the practice for utility securitizations. Catherine Young Hagerty left the firm in January 2023.

Reed Smith LLP has a broad offering across securitizations backed by different asset classes, both traditional and esoteric, handling CMBS, ABS, RMBS, CLO, trade receivables and auto matters. It is also adept at handling the various tax and regulatory issues that arise during a matter’s lifespan, at a domestic and international level. Jodi Schwimmer heads the team from Miami, focusing on CMBS, SFR and CRE CLO transactions as well as the surrounding regulatory framework. New York-based Trish O’Donnell is experienced in esoteric ABS and bespoke transactions, including securitizations backed by diamond-related assets. Robert Stalzer in Philadelphia represents the gamut of market participants and strengthens the firm’s diamond expertise.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP assists major investment banks, investment firms and industry-leading companies with securitization matters, with notable work in the fiber-optic, data center and general IT spaces. Its transactional experience includes advising on a range of asset classes, such as ABCP, aircraft leases, bank credit card receivables, whole business loans, dark fiber revenue and SFR properties. John Schueller leads the practice from New York. His work includes assistance on a wide range of asset classes, from auto loans to digital infrastructures to SFRs, for underwriters and issuers.