Editorial: Banking in Illinois
01 July 2008
Twenty-nine banking practitioners make the grade on the following pages.
Sidley Austin LLP's Chicago-based "powerhouse" is "well known for big-ticket work"and Sidley's client roster includes many leading names such as Merrill Lynch and Barclays Bank. The firm's banking contingent tops the rankings once again, fielding five highly rated individuals. Bruce Bernstein "looms large" in the Illinois banking community, and is "well known for complex, large-scale transactions". His practice focuses on secured transactions and restructurings for banks and asset-based lenders. James Clark also received compliments for his work on large-scale financing deals in the US and Europe. A "highly respected practitioner", he is also known for his academic work such as his co-authorship of a book on secured financing. James Looman is a "truly outstanding" lawyer with expertise in commercial lending and securitisation representing banks and financial institutions. He has represented clients such as Citibank, JPMorgan Chase and GE Capital. Michael Gold and Gary Stern complete the picture for this "highly cohesive, professional and experienced" firm - both are "excellent practitioners", according to sources.
Banking and finance is one of Mayer Brown LLP's founding practices, and it has developed a "huge presence", both in the state and nationwide, representing clients such as Bank of America, Wachovia and JPMorgan Chase in a wide range of transactions. "Leading lending practitioner" Robert Baptista is foremost among the firm's highly nominated quartet. His syndicated financing experience for borrowers and lenders received praise from peers, who were impressed by his "efficiency and responsiveness". Douglas Doetsch leads the Chicago office's banking and finance practice, as well as co-heading the Latin American practice, and his work in the region and other emerging markets was widely praised. His practice focuses on leveraged lending transactions, structured credit deals and emerging market debt restructuring and debt exchange offers. Bank facility specialist Paul Forrester and founder of the securitisation practice Jason Kravitt, who is credited with the creation of many significant securitisation products, also make the cut.
Latham & Watkins LLP is home to two of the highest-nominated practitioners in the state: David Crumbaugh and James Doran. Global co-chair of the banking practice group, Crumbaugh is considered "among the very top tier" of banking practitioners, and focuses his practice on representing banks and finance companies in transactional matters. Doran is a "very proficient" lawyer, who represents banks and financial institutions in structuring and underwriting loan originations and out-of-court workouts. Donald Schwartz completes the trio, with a "great reputation" for transactional and out-of-court insolvency.
"Chicago stalwart" Goldberg Kohn Bell Black Rosenbloom & Moritz Ltd has a "well-established and respected" banking practice, with a client roster that includes Banco Popular North America, CIGNA Corp, Merrill Lynch and Ventas. David Mason's "technical brilliance" impressed contributors to the survey. He works on transactional matters for banks and other lenders, and also represents asset-based lenders. Richard Kohn is a co-founder of the firm and has a "sterling reputation" as a lender's lawyer in international lending transactions. David Dranoff is chair of the firm's commercial finance group, who works on a range of commercial finance deals as well as cross-border lending transactions in the Americas, Europe and Asia.
Winston & Strawn LLP's client roster includes Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Merrill Lynch and PricewaterhouseCoopers. The firm recently represented Bank of America in connection with a credit facility for Broadlane. Gregory Murray is "a sensational lawyer" who focuses on commercial lending, and counts banks such as ABN Amro among his clients. Charles Boehrer is known for his work on leveraged finance transactions, representing commercial and investment banks. Ronald Jacobson has an "excellent reputation" for corporate lending, and has represented Bank of America and Lehman Brothers among others.
Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom LLP's Chicago office is "a major player" in the Illinois banking community. Clients include Solo Cup, BNP Paribas and Brera Capital Partners. Lynn McGovern represents equity sponsors, borrowers and lenders in complex financing transactions, such as Chicago Mercantile Exchange in connection with a credit facility. Randall Rademaker is a "versatile and reliable" practitioner known for his asset-based financings, secured financings, structured finance and financial restructuring. Seth Jacobson debuts in this edition, recommended for his secured finance, leveraged leasing and restructuring work. His clients include Citigroup, Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank.
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP boasts a "distinguished" duo of practitioners in this chapter. Stuart Shulruff is a "go-to practitioner" for all work related to senior and mezzanine credit facilities, as well as first- and second-lien credit facilities. His clients include: CapitalSource Finance, LaSalle Bank and Midwest Mezzanine. Michael Jacobson is a "highly respected" lawyer, representing issuers, lenders and investors. His work in health-care finance transactions was noted.
With over 30 years' experience in the practice area, Peter Gaines recently left Bell Boyd & Lloyd LLC to set up his own firm. "Excellent for cross-border and multi-jurisdictional work", he is respected for his long-standing experience in syndicated lending, acquisition finance, leveraged buyouts and credit facilities.
John McEnroe of Vedder Price PC is "fabulous for leveraged buyouts", as well as concentrating on secured transactions, M&A and bankruptcy. He has represented banks, finance companies and hedge funds in a range of credit facilities. Peers complimented his "excellent relations with clients".
Andrew Kaufman is head of Kirkland & Ellis's financing and secured transactions practice. He also concentrates on leasing, structured finance and workouts and reorganisations. Peers described him as "quick off the mark with creative solutions".
At Chapman & Cutler LLP, Marc Franson's work on secured and unsecured lending programmes caught the attention of sources that deem him "a fine practitioner". McDermott Will & Emery LLP's representative Robert McMenamin is "fabulous for complex work", especially syndicated lending matters. Peers have "a very high regard" for Schiff Hardin LLP's Scott Pickens, who represents creditors in financing transactions, as well as other matters.