Capital Markets: Securitization: ABS | USA

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.

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.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is an experienced team of transactional specialists who are well versed in handling some of the most complex and pressing securitization deals. The attorneys are able to provide significant cross-border support for the full range of asset classes and are particularly well regarded in the market for ABS transactions, especially auto securitizations. The firm also boasts a highly impressive track record in MBS deals.

Sidley Austin LLP is a highly respected team with a broad securitization offering, in terms of both practice and geography. The practitioners offer substantial experience acting for issuers, underwriters and purchasers, handling transactions involving consumer asset classes, such as online lending. The firm offers exceptional guidance on other ABS transactions involving traditional assets, such as automobiles. The practice also regularly assists with mortgage-backed securities, boasting market-leading knowledge of RMBS matters and a strong CMBS practice. The firm's well-rounded securitizations offering is supported by expert tax attorneys.

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.

Katten is a respected team focused on issuer representation and adept at handling mortgage-based securitizations, with a particular emphasis on RMBS, as well as auto loan and lease securitizations, and marketplace lending. The firm is able to offer specialized experience in energy and commodity structured finance deals and offers expertise on the regulatory and the tax-related aspects of transactions.

Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP houses a bench of highly regarded practitioners who are experts in their fields. The firm stands out for its handling of esoteric transactions and is particularly recommended for the securitization of PACE. The attorneys frequently act for issuers and leading investment banks in transactions.

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.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP has a strong track record in a wide variety of transactions, including workouts and restructurings of complex structures and assets. The firm offers specific expertise in securitizations involving esoteric assets, such as lottery awards, patent royalties, billboards and contract rights, among others, and has a richly deserved reputation as a leading firm for whole business securitization.

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.

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.

Alston & Bird LLP is a respected securitization practice able to handle traditional asset and mortgage-backed transactions. The firm is a strong choice for the representation of both issuers and underwriters, and is well regarded for its role as trustees' counsel. It also draws on complementary practice strengths in banking and finance to strengthen its securitization offering.

Arnold & Porter possesses particular expertise in the marketplace loan securitization space, interfacing with SIFMA and other bodies to develop thought leadership in the area. The firm regularly advises some of the most active financial institutions in the market.

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.

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.

Dentons represents the full range of players in the market including issuers, underwriters and originators. Attorneys from the firm act on both domestic and cross-border securitization matters, leveraging the firm's significant international standing. The firm demonstrates notable strength in real estate financings, such as RMBS transactions and single-family rentals, with additional expertise in MSRs. It also stands out for its ability to assist with the securitization of traditional and esoteric ABS.

King & Spalding LLP is an able securitization practice with experience across a range of traditional asset classes. The firm is also well regarded for the securitization of novel assets, with a growing reputation in the cell towers and data center market.

Kirkland & Ellis demonstrates notable proficiency advising issuers on high-value securitizations. Specialties include ABS, in particular auto finance, as well as equipment securitizations. The firm also demonstrates expertise in marketplace loans and credit card receivables.

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.

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.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates draws on wide-ranging expertise to inform a practice that covers the full spectrum of ABS transactions. The firm is well known for its work on credit card receivables and auto loans and is also able to advise on the securitization of non-traditional assets including whole business securitizations.