Banking & Finance: Florida

THE FIRM Greenberg Traurig enjoys an outstanding reputation in banking and finance, excelling in a wide range of areas including commercial lending, banking regulation and compliance. Recent highlights include representing US Bank in setting up its first de novo branches in Florida in accordance with Dodd-Frank's interstate branching rules. The firm also has an established public finance practice, having advised in this area for over 25 years.  

Sources say: "They offer a very client-focused approach with seamless execution and a sense of urgency in getting things done." "A first-rate firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Warren Bloom has a distinguished reputation in public finance and often advises on bankruptcies, foreclosures and restructurings of municipal transactions. His recent highlights include advising US Bank on municipal securities restructurings worth close to $20.9 million.

Also standing out in the public finance domain is Jéan Wilson, who has vast experience in a broad spectrum of tax-exempt and taxable financings.

Carl Fornaris wins praise as a "very fine lawyer with a strong understanding of the regulatory issues facing banks." On the transactional front, he acted for Trident Trust on its purchase of Santander's Latin American fiduciary services business.

Sources commend Robert Gang for being "very seasoned and user-friendly with clients." He is particularly well versed in the nuances of public finance.

Since publication, Albert del Castillo has joined the team from Squire Sanders. He is renowned for his public finance work not only on his home turf but also in Puerto Rico. "He's one of the smartest attorneys I've worked with. He's always well prepared and totally accessible," clients enthuse.

THE FIRM This firm has considerable breadth and depth to offer high-caliber representation in the banking and finance sphere. The team is prominent in the international private banking industry and is also in demand for its regulatory expertise by clients such as banks and broker dealers. Other key areas of its practice include workouts, asset-based lending, acquisition financings and other types of secured lending.

Sources say: "A very fine firm and a longtime Florida banking practice." "Fantastic regulatory work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bowman Brown is "viewed as the dean of Florida banking law." A source adds: "He has fabulous judgment and I have absolute confidence in his capabilities." He advises banks and broker-dealers on regulatory issues, and also handles financial institution M&A.

Rod Jones is highly regarded for his regulatory expertise and is best known for representing community banks. Interviewees commend him for being "very thorough and experienced."

THE FIRM White & Case stands out for its transactional prowess, with a focus on representing banks in cross-border lending deals. This practice is particularly well known for its Latin American work, with recent highlights including acting for BBVA on a senior unsecured $2 billion term loan facility for Comisión Federal de Electricidad, Mexico's national electric utility. The team is also adept in cross-border project finance as well as equipment and facility financing.

Sources say: "The team is highly qualified and demonstrates mastery of the subject." "Very effective in syndicated lending."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Victor Alvarez acted for administrative agent and lender Standard Chartered Bank on the senior secured $750 million term loan facility for Charter Development. Sources commend his "practical approach to resolving issues."

Emilio Alvarez-Farré is singled out for his outstanding work in cross-border M&A, and the financings associated with these transactions. He recently represented administrative agent HSBC Bank USA in a $1 billion senior bridge loan to major Colombian bank Banco de Bogotá, in order to finance its subsidiary’s purchase of BAC Credomatic. 

Carlos Viana focuses on project finance, corporate and acquisition finance as well as structured trade and export finance, and is "well respected by the lenders" in these domains.  

THE FIRM Akerman Senterfitt has a long-standing presence in the market, with sources noting that it is well placed to handle complex transactions. Key areas of work include acquisition finance, syndicated loan transactions, single lender lines of credit and revolving credit facilities. The team recently acted for The GEO Group on a $500 million senior secured credit facility and a $300 million senior notes facility to finance its purchase of the Cornell Companies. Also notable is the group's work in the regulatory and public finance spheres.

Sources say: "One of the premier banking and finance law firms in Florida." "High degree of focus, ability to deliver under tough deadlines, and excellent lawyers at both the partner and associate levels."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bradley Houser has a practice focus on securities and M&A matters. Interviewees commend him for being "very responsive and knowledgeable." 

Virginia Townes acts as general counsel to the Florida Bankers Association and advises businesses and financial institutions on disputes with regulators, customers and other entities.

With more than 30 years' experience in practice, Russell Hale is highly regarded for his expertise in both banking and tax.

Practice chair William Arnhols is well versed in handling public and private debt transactions across a range of industries. "He handles complex situations with a calm manner and practical approach, and has a good sense of what it's like being in the clients' shoes," sources note.

THE FIRM This boutique firm has been making huge strides in the market and is a popular port of call among foreign banks with operations in the USA. The team recently acted as US regulatory counsel for various Spanish savings banks in relation to key restructurings and mergers in the Spanish banking system. It also advises on anti-money laundering regulations and compliance matters. 

Sources say: "An excellent firm with solid regulatory expertise."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alcides Avila is widely respected in banking circles for his substantial experience in advising both domestic and foreign financial institutions on their US operations, including regulatory matters, M&A and other transactions.

Patricia Hernandez is particularly noted for her strength in bank regulatory work.

THE FIRM Gunster stands out for its expertise in bank regulatory compliance issues, including those related to the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and anti-money laundering laws. Capital raising is another busy area of work for the team, which recently acted for Sandler O’Neill & Partners as placement agent on a common stock private placement by Coconut Grove Bankshares, which raised $32 million.

Sources say: "Professional and fair in all aspects." "An A+ team."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources also praise Gregory Bader for both his regulatory and transactional expertise, noting that he is "extremely knowledgeable, professional and quick to respond."

Michael Mitrione has a wealth of experience handling corporate matters for financial institutions and their holding companies, including M&A and loan transactions.

Andres Fernandez is singled out as a "rising star" on the regulatory front, where he advises clients on BSA, anti-money laundering and Office of Foreign Assets Control compliance matters.

THE FIRM This 33-strong banking and finance group boasts comprehensive coverage across the state of Florida. Key strengths of the practice include lending transactions, regulatory work, public finance, real estate finance and banking litigation. The team recently advised Jabil Circuit on various banking and finance matters, including credit agreements and workouts with trade debtors.

Sources say: "They have a very strong knowledge base and get the best results in a short amount of time."

KEY INDIVIDUALS José Sirven has a wealth of experience in both transactional and regulatory work. Sources note: "When something gets stuck in the mud, he resolves it efficiently and gets things moving. He's very pragmatic and doesn't complicate things." Recent work includes acting for Bank of America and other lenders on financing deals involving the use of fine art as collateral.

Edward Vogel is renowned for his work in the public and municipal finance arena. "He's very seasoned and has tremendous technical know-how," interviewees say.

Charles Stutts is widely acclaimed as a bank regulatory expert and frequently advises on bank failures and capitalizations.

Clients appreciate Barbara Yadley's "wealth of knowledge" on commercial lending transactions, including asset-based lending, cash flow lending and real estate finance. 

Since publication, Isabel Diaz has joined the firm from Broad and Cassel. She is singled out for her "excellent client service," and handles commercial lending and real estate transactions.  

THE FIRM This firm excels in transactional work in the banking and finance space, and is particularly known for its cross-border lending practice. Its solid clientele includes the likes of Merrill Lynch, Santander and Banamex. The team recently acted for Citibank on a $30 million loan facility to Tricom, a Dominican telecom company.

Sources say: "Highly competent with an extensive array of specialized expertise. We have the utmost confidence in them." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Fernando Alonso is well known for representing major Spanish financial institutions in both domestic and cross-border financing matters. "We are impressed by his excellent negotiation skills and ability to effectively integrate legal and commercial elements of transactions," sources say.  

THE FIRM This firm has broad expertise in advising a wide range of financial institutions, with notable clients including Bank of America and Citibank. Recent work includes acting for Wells Fargo on a $25 million revolving line of credit to a firearms manufacturer.

Sources say: "A quality firm that does very good work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stuart Ames has a wealth of experience in commercial lending, with sources lauding him as "a solid, excellent lawyer." He led on the abovementioned transaction and also acted for Bank of America on a $30 million line of credit to a sugar importer.

THE FIRM Broad and Cassel is a popular choice among financial institutions. The team's strengths include restructuring existing loans and advising on asset-related issues, and it has also been active in bond financing deals and underwriters’ representation. A recent highlight saw the firm advising BankUnited on a $25 million revolving line of credit for the development of residences in Florida and North Carolina.

Sources say: "Their knowledge of the law and their ability to get the job done speaks volumes."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of the practice Arvin Jaffe is sought out by institutional lenders for special assets and loan restructuring work.

Carl Romano wins praise for being "a bright, responsive attorney who is capable of closing complicated deals on a timely basis." Of late, he acted for Regions Bank on loan workout and modification matters at a value of $9.2 million.

Joseph Stanton has a highly regarded public finance practice which sees him handling a raft of state and local government financings. 

THE FIRM This firm has a long-standing profile in the public finance arena and is best known for its role as bond counsel. Clients also value the substantial tax expertise of the group. The team recently advised the Government Development Bank for Puerto Rico on a series of senior note issuances, which totaled $1.545 billion.

Sources say: "They are responsive, proactive and have outstanding knowledge."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Luis Reiter has a proven track record in a wide range of public finance matters. Sources praise him for being "outstanding and very detail-oriented."

Also offering deep experience in this field is Alexandra MacLennan, who wins plaudits for being "very thorough and providing very timely service."

THE FIRM This firm is in demand by clients for its advice on a raft of regulatory issues. The team also represents banks, private equity and hedge funds in various financing transactions. Key clients include JPMorgan, Coconut Grove Bank and US Century Bank. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Of counsel Michael Basile is highly esteemed for his regulatory practice. A peer says: "I call him from time to time about complex banking regulatory matters. He is very knowledgeable on both state and federal banking issues."