Gerard is a finance lawyer who represents banks, alternative capital providers, portfolio companies and other debt investors on debt financing transactions, including leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations, asset-based loans, bridge facilities; venture loan transactions and other secured financing transactions. Gerard has extensive experience in financial and corporate restructurings and workouts, debtor-in-possession financings and exit financings, as well as project finance transactions, leveraged leasing, aircraft and other equipment financings, and transfers of portfolios of loans and leases. He joins Reed Smith’s Global Finance team from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and will be based in the firm’s Chicago office.
“In Gerard, we have a finance lawyer with an impeccable reputation for providing commercially minded legal advice on complex transactions with a strong reputation in the market,” said Ed Estrada, global chair of the firm’s Financial Industry Group. “We are very pleased to be joined by a lawyer of Gerard’s caliber, and look forward to him working with our finance team across the Reed Smith network."
Jeff is a corporate and capital markets lawyer with a particular focus on the FinTech and financial services sectors. Prior to joining Reed Smith, he served as Counsel, head of Structured Finance and Business Development at LendKey, a leading full-service digital lending platform for banks and credit unions, where he was responsible for legal and operational advice related to the organization’s institutional investor platform, digital loan origination, capital markets and corporate/business development. Previously Jeff also served as general counsel for JVB Financial Group, a broker-dealer. He will be based in the firm’s New York office.
Estrada added “Jeff is a talented lawyer who bring to us a sophisticated awareness of the FinTech sector. Our FinTech practice is among the most widely-respected in the industry, and with client relationships that are an excellent fit with our current client portfolio, Jeff will play an important role in the continuing growth of our FinTech practice."
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a global law firm dedicated to providing quality business solutions, not just legal answers. Our belief is that by doing things differently, with a greater focus on innovation, and by delivering smarter and more creative and efficient legal services, we will not only enrich our clients' experiences with us, but also support them in achieving their own business goals.
With long-standing relationships, an international outlook, and collaborative structure, Reed Smith is a strategic partner in the resolution of complex disputes, transactions, and regulatory matters.
For further information, please visit reedsmith.com.
