Banking & Finance: Massachusetts

THE FIRM This group is highly respected for its representation of lenders and debt investors, and has the prowess to handle complex domestic and multi-jurisdictional debt financing transactions. It recently advised RBS Citizens in relation to a $500 million revolving credit facility for The TJX Companies. Other notable clients include Bank of America and Ares Capital.

Sources say: "These attorneys are extremely dedicated, smart, and friendly." "They are commercial and understand the points that clients care about." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Market observers are quick to identify Edwin Smith as "the East Coast guru on UCC matters." "An outstanding lawyer and a thought leader," he further impresses clients by being "very easy to work with." He splits his time between Boston and New York, and cochairs the firm's financial services department.

The "excellent" Amy Kyle co-leads the banking and leveraged finance group. She has specialist expertise in the transportation industry, with recent work highlights including representing Bank of America Merrill Lynch in a $900 million financing for truck company Ryder System.

Ian Wenniger is held in high esteem by peers and clients, and maintains a broad base of expertise. He regularly acts for lenders, mezzanine investors, equity sponsors and borrowers on acquisition, recapitalization and leveraged financings.

The "articulate and thoughtful" Neal Curtin is a "strong advocate for his client while remaining realistic in his approach," agree interviewees. His core focus is on advising banks and financial institutions on corporate and regulatory matters. In one recent matter, he advised Bank of Fukuoka on the establishment of a US office in New York.

THE FIRM Choate Hall & Stewart is lauded by clients for its excellent responsiveness and accessibility. It maintains a varied practice, acting for both borrowers and lenders on asset-based and syndicated financings as well as workouts. The firm demonstrates particular expertise in the retail and sports sectors.

Sources say: "Their legal acumen is unquestioned, and their practical guidance is also excellent." "I am confident that they understand the latest legal rulings and know the most efficient way to structure a transaction."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Interviewees endorse Peter Palladino as "a business-savvy lawyer" with strong interpersonal skills. His practice has an emphasis on corporate finance transactions, including private equity sponsored acquisitions, asset-based lending and asset securitization. His recent work includes advising Bank of America on a $150 million credit facility for a national automotive software company.

THE FIRM This firm is highly commended for its strength in lender-side representations, and recently advised RBS on a $300 million term loan facility for America Rock Salt Company. The firm also demonstrates particular skill in public finance issues, from advising governmental entities issuing tax-exempt debt to serving as underwriters' counsel.

Sources say: "The firm has superior customer service and general responsiveness. The attorneys do a very good job of flagging up changes in the law which could impact the client either immediately or in the future."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Ruediger cochairs the firm's business law department and has expertise in syndicated lending transactions, M&A and private equity and debt financings. He recently acted for JPMorgan Chase Bank in the issue of a $55 million senior secured credit facility.

George Ticknor has a wealth of experience in acquisitions and financings as well as public debt issues, securitization and mezzanine financings. His workload has recently included acting for NewStar Financing in relation to a $100 million asset-based loan facility.

According to commentators, Walter St. Onge is simply "fantastic" when it comes to public finance work. He frequently serves as bond and underwriters' counsel to clients throughout New England, including the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the states of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.

THE FIRM This firm is best known for advising banks and financial institutions on corporate and regulatory matters, including M&A, consumer financial services, government investigations and financial regulatory reform. It has also established a notable leveraged finance group, which advises the likes of Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Charlesbank Capital Partners on secured lending transactions and mezzanine financings.

Sources say: "These attorneys have a long-standing knowledge of our business line – you never have to explain things to them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Edward Matson Sibble is endorsed as a "very bright" attorney who "vigilantly protects his clients' interests." He heads the leveraged finance practice and acts for a client base of lenders, borrowers, private equity sponsors and venture capital firms.

Lynne Barr focuses on financial services law, from credit and mortgage lending matters to electronic banking and insurance products. One client notes: "She's the tops – I can trust her to handle anything and her responsiveness is immediate."

William Mayer is "totally dedicated to his clients" and "really understands the language of the regulatory authorities," say interviewees. He recently represented Brookline Bancorp in its acquisition of Bancorp RI and Ipswich Bancshares.

Eric Fischer has core expertise in bank regulatory matters, such as bank corporate governance and issues surrounding the M&A of financial institutions. He recently advised Citizens-Union Savings Bank on the acquisition of Bank of Fall River.

THE FIRM Goulston & Storrs is a strong player in the midmarket, where it regularly advises banks, financial companies and sponsors on debt and equity transactions. The firm is especially well known for its commercial real estate expertise. The group recently acted for Bank of America in relation to a $600 million line of credit to a private REIT. Other notable clients include JPMorgan Chase and TD Bank.

Sources say: "They have superb expertise in the area." "They are sophisticated but also have a good focus on issues and don't over-lawyer things."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers applaud Philip Herman as a "thorough, constructive" lawyer, while clients assert: "He is dedicated to creating a partnership with you" and "transfers peace of mind and total confidence that he will protect your interests." He recently counseled Bank of America on a syndicated $600 million credit facility for Ross Stores.

Pamela Maloney MacKenzie is endorsed as a "creative" attorney with "excellent business sense." She has experience in commercial and real estate finance transactions, and acts for both financial institutions and borrowers.

James Lerner enters the rankings this year having won plaudits as a "thorough, diligent and practical" lawyer who demonstrates a strong "can-do approach" and excellent responsiveness. He co-heads the firm's capital markets group and has a core focus on real estate lending transactions. 

THE FIRM This team is well versed in a wide range of public finance matters, having acted as bond counsel, issuers' counsel, disclosure counsel and underwriters' counsel in tax-exempt and taxable financing transactions. It maintains a substantial body of work at state level, counting the likes of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Port Authority and the Massachusetts Water Authority within its client base.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jean DeLuca is a highly esteemed public finance attorney whose expertise spans a variety of financings, including taxable and tax-exempt financings.

THE FIRM Holland & Knight is best known for its expertise in real estate finance and wins praise from clients for quickly getting to the heart of complex matters. The team acts for both national and international banks, financial institutions and investors, and has handled numerous multifamily projects in recent times. Other representative work includes advising Wells Fargo on the restructuring of a $100 million facility.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Suanne St. Charles is one of the team's key finance practitioners. Her practice incorporates advice on both real estate finance transactions and asset-based lending.

THE FIRM This team is highly respected for its advice to financial institutions on corporate and regulatory issues, mergers and restructurings, asset securitization, and loan and investment matters. Its client base encompasses a number of New England regional and community banks.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stanley Ragalevsky has "tremendous knowledge of state corporate law and how it relates to banks," say sources. His areas of expertise include power to lend issues, loan participations and loan workouts.

Sean Mahoney continues to impress market sources as a standout junior partner at the firm. His practice covers both corporate law and financial services regulation.

THE FIRM McCarter & English is a relatively new entrant to the Boston market but has already successfully built on the firm's excellent reputation across the Northeast, particularly in relation to public finance transactions. It has considerable experience acting as both bond counsel and underwriters' counsel. Clients include the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and various educational and financial institutions.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly regarded Barbara Kroncke-Moore advises and represents clients in all aspects of public finance work. She is especially noted for her expertise in bonds issued on behalf of nonprofit institutions.

THE FIRM This firm has one of the largest and most notable public finance practices in Massachusetts. The group is well versed in the issue and holding of tax-exempt bonds as well as in bondholder and trustee representation. On the bond counsel side, representative clients include the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. The firm also serves as underwriters' counsel to the likes of Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Harvard University.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "fantastic" Meghan Burke's repertoire of public finance expertise includes transportation, higher education, healthcare and project finance transactions, among others.

Sources say John Regier is "a great technician, very experienced, and also really great to work with." He has a particular emphasis on public agency representation, and is a key adviser to the State Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on bond counsel work, disclosure counsel work and matters relating to pension fund investment.

Richard Moche primarily represents mutual funds, indenture trustees, hedge funds and insurance companies in tax-exempt bond transactions. Clients say: "He is meticulous in his attention to detail" and "anticipates any problems that are likely to arrive and positions you to deal with them effectively."

THE FIRM This group has expertise in all aspects of financing including syndicated and unsyndicated transactions, and secured and unsecured lending. The team works across a range of industries and demonstrates particular strength in the restaurant and retail sectors.

Sources say: "They are great lawyers but also have good business sense."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Matthew Furlong is widely considered "an excellent lawyer." He acts for both lenders and borrowers, and has experience in both domestic and international debt as well as debt restructurings, asset-based credit facilities and acquisition and retail finance.

Appreciative clients commend Sula Fiszman's "hands-on approach," noting that "she will really roll up her sleeves and get stuck in on complicated transactions." Her practice has an emphasis on complex senior secured finance transactions, workouts and bankruptcies.

THE FIRM Nixon Peabody's finance attorneys impress clients with their commercial acumen and responsive service. The team maintains a multifaceted practice, advising on asset finance, leveraged finance, project finance and securitization and structured finance, among other matters. The firm is also well versed in public finance work, having advised on numerous municipal and infrastructure projects.

Sources say: "Very commercial in terms of understanding that legal decisions are not made in a vacuum."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Craig Mills is "an excellent negotiator who is able to provide clear and concise explanations of even the most complex provisions," say clients. He chairs the firm's global finance group and regularly advises on both domestic and international commercial loan transactions and structured finance matters.

Peter Johnson is at the forefront of the Boston office's public finance offering. His wide-ranging experience includes acting as bond counsel, issuers' counsel and underwriters' counsel in transportation, housing, health and education-related transactions.

THE FIRM This firm is highly respected for its adept handling of corporate lending transactions, acquisition financings, equipment leasing and restructurings and workouts, and demonstrates particular skill in the real estate sector. The firm additionally boasts a four-partner group dedicated to advising banks and financial institutions, such as Eastern Bank Corporation and Anglo Irish Bank, on corporate and regulatory matters.

Sources say: "These attorneys are very responsive and detail-oriented."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stephen Patterson is noted for his expertise in advising financial institutions and finance companies on equipment leasing transactions as well as mortgage warehouse facilities and asset-based loans.

Philip Rosenblatt attracts praise as "a thorough, diligent and proactive" attorney. He cochairs the firm's commercial finance group and regularly handles complex finance, syndication and securitization transactions.

Market commentators endorse Kenneth Ehrlich as an "extremely focused and very effective bank regulatory lawyer." His areas of expertise include new bank formations and M&A, among other matters.

Michael Krebs impresses clients with his "clarity of thought" and "rational, constructive advice." His practice includes advising banking and insurance companies on M&A, corporate governance and regulatory matters.

THE FIRM Proskauer Rose commands a dominant position in the junior capital market, both in Massachusetts and beyond the commonwealth's borders. Its recent work highlights include advising Sankaty Advisors on the $205 million mezzanine debt financing of the buyout of Renal Advantage. Other notable clients are KKR, Barclays Capital and Morgan Stanley.

Sources say: "Very practical, very much problem solvers. Some lawyers will just tell you what the risks are, whereas Proskauer Rose really helps you to mitigate those risks."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Impressed sources enthusiastically assert that Steven Ellis is "excellent and one of only a handful of lawyers to really have a finger on the pulse of the junior debt capital market in the US." He recently represented Morgan Stanley in the issue of $90 million subordinated notes by Excelitas Technologies.

Peter Antoszyk has a strong track record in restructuring work. In recent matters, he acted alongside Stephen Boyko in advising Audax Mezzanine Fund and Guggenheim Partners on the global restructuring and refinancing of US Builders.

Stephen Boyko is described by sources as a "deal-maker." He co-heads the junior capital department and has a broad base of experience spanning leveraged buyouts, growth capital investments and acquisition financings, among others.

William Brady stands out as an excellent negotiatior. "He's very practical and clearly identifies the 'got to have' versus the 'would be nice to have' elements of a transaction," asserts one interviewee. Brady's body of work includes advising Golub Capital on a $50 million loan to Entrust, and representing Solar Capital in its $45 million loan to AOA Top Tier Holding.

THE FIRM Riemer & Braunstein is highly respected for its representation of financial institutions and lenders in real estate financings, corporate lending and workouts. The firm acts across a range of industries, although it is particularly prominent in the retail sector.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Market commentators highlight David Berman as a "tremendous attorney" and "one of the leaders" for retail finance and asset-based loans.

THE FIRM Ropes & Gray is an undisputed market leader when it comes to representing private equity sponsors in high-value leveraged buyout transactions. It recently acted for TPG Capital on the $3 billion leveraged acquisition of J. Crew. Alongside this expertise, the firm regularly advises on general lending matters and restructurings. It has also established a venerable public finance practice, most notably in relation to its work for hospitals and healthcare providers.

Sources say: "A phenomenal firm." "This team is made up of thoughtful and responsive attorneys, who do a good job of taking a holistic approach in complex matters."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Cochair of the firm's finance practice Thomas Draper inspires confidence in clients as an "extremely thorough and practical attorney." His practice encompasses leveraged and investment grade financings for clients such as Kohlberg & Co and Audax, as well as advice to corporate clients in their general financing activities. In one recent highlight, he advised Green Mountain Coffee Roasters on obtaining a $1.25 billion senior secured credit facility.  

Sources say Byung Choi is "tenacious and unwavering" in his attempts to secure the best possible outcome for his clients: "He will always push the market for better terms." In addition to his work for TPG on the  acquisition of J. Crew, he recently advised Bain Capital on the $1.8 billion acquisition of Gymboree.

Anne Phillips Ogilby excels at advising healthcare, education and other nonprofit institutions on tax-exempt and taxable financings. "She's an excellent negotiator and strategist," assert clients.

THE FIRM Clients value Sullivan & Worcester's Boston financing team due to the partner-led and commercially astute advice on offer. The team's expertise encompasses secured and unsecured lending as well as securitization, equipment financing and credit enhancement. Recent notable work includes advising HSBC on a $100 million multicurrency loan and credit facility for an international group of companies.

Sources say: "The firm impresses with the hands-on approach of its partners."

KEY INDIVIDUALS William Levine is a key contact.