Best Structured Finance Lawyers in Illinois

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Ice Miller LLP
Chicago, United States

Founded in 1910
350 people in their team
English
Built on a foundation of legal service more than a century long, Ice Miller LLP is committed to helping our clients stay ahead in a changing world.Our diverse client base ranges from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies and from governmental entities to educational organizations and pension funds. We...
Lashly & Baer
Belleville, United States

Founded in 1972
86 people in their team
English
We Have A History Of Making HistoryLashly & Baer, P.C., has its roots from Jacob M. Lashly, one of Missouri’s outstanding trial lawyers and a president of the American Bar Association. Another aspect of our legacy is the commitment to the communities in which we live and work. This public...
MVP Law
Springfield, United States

Founded in 1901
164 people in their team
English
Founded in 1901, MVP Law is never concerned with how others do it; we forge our own path to always meet our client’s needs. Experts in public and private sector workers’ compensation, general liability, and employment and education law, our attorneys are attentive, knowledgeable and ready to...

Founded in 1984
227 people in their team
English
The founding vision of Barack Ferrazzano in 1984 was to create a new model that departed from the standard "mega-firm" approaches and, instead, focused on delivering efficient, team-oriented services of the highest quality. Our founding partners - two highly respected law professors at Northwestern...
Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
Chicago, United States

Founded in 1967
2,300 people in their team
English
Five decades ago, while at lunch in a South Florida deli, attorneys Larry J. Hoffman, Mel Greenberg, and Robert Traurig saw an opportunity to establish a new breed of law firm for South Florida; a firm that mirrored a New York style firm. In 1967, they founded the law firm Greenberg Traurig...
Jones Day
Chicago, United States

Founded in 1893
2,500 people in their team
English
Jones Day has a history of more than 125 years and a culture of client service and professionalism based on explicit shared values. These values include providing pro bono legal services, building diversity in our profession, and supporting outreach efforts around the world.Jones Day has a long...
Lippes Mathias LLP
Chicago, United States

Founded in 1965
177 people in their team
English
Lippes Mathias LLP is a full-service law firm with more than 135 attorneys serving clients regionally, nationally, and internationally. With offices in Buffalo, N.Y.; Albany, N.Y.; Burlington, Ontario; Chicago, Ill.; New York City; Jacksonville, Fla; and Washington, D.C., the firm represents a wide...
Bailey Glasser
Chicago, United States

Founded in 1999
123 people in their team
English
Founded by Ben Bailey and Brian Glasser in 1999 in Charleston, West Virginia, Bailey Glasser has grown to include 76 lawyers, with 17 offices across the United States. The firm’s complex litigation practice focuses on high-stakes commercial litigation; class actions for consumers, insureds,...
Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP.
Chicago, United States

Founded in 1974
1,688 people in their team
English
As the only law firm with offices and attorneys in all 50 states, we deliver maximum value to our clients by combining the resources of a full-service national firm with the local knowledge of a regional firm. Featuring more than 1,000 lawyers nationwide, we provide comprehensive litigation and...

Founded in 1948
1,700 people in their team
English
The traits that fueled Skadden’s rise from a New York startup to a global powerhouse - collaborative, innovative, persistent - continue to define our firm culture. We remain intensely focused on the simple formula of developing an inclusive complement of extraordinary attorneys, working together...
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About Structured Finance Law in Illinois, United States

Structured finance is a specialized area of finance law that deals with complex financial instruments and arrangements used to manage risk, raise capital, and support investment. In Illinois, structured finance can involve asset-backed securities, collateralized loan obligations, mortgage-backed securities, and other sophisticated products. These transactions often require careful legal structuring to comply with federal and state regulations, protect investors, and ensure the validity and enforceability of deals. Illinois, as a major economic hub in the Midwest, hosts significant structured finance activities involving commercial real estate, healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing sectors.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Legal counsel is essential in structured finance transactions for several reasons. Some common situations where you may require the assistance of a structured finance lawyer in Illinois include:

  • Structuring and negotiating complex debt or securitization deals
  • Drafting and reviewing transaction documents such as pooling and servicing agreements, indentures, and offering memoranda
  • Navigating federal and Illinois-specific regulations such as securities laws, banking laws, and licensing requirements
  • Assessing and managing risks associated with structured products
  • Advising on tax implications and compliance issues
  • Representing clients in litigation or disputes related to structured finance transactions
  • Facilitating due diligence and regulatory disclosures
  • Advising public and private entities on municipal or infrastructure finance
Seeking skilled legal advice helps guard against potential legal challenges, regulatory penalties, or financial losses, and ensures your structured finance transactions are legally sound and efficient.

Local Laws Overview

Illinois has its own set of statutes and regulations that impact structured finance transactions in addition to overarching federal law. These include state securities laws, banking and lending statutes, and commercial transaction requirements under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), as adopted in Illinois. Notable areas of local concern include:

  • The Illinois Securities Law of 1953, which governs the offer and sale of securities in the state
  • Registration and licensing requirements for financial intermediaries and advisors
  • Provisions concerning the assignment and perfection of interests in receivables under Illinois-adopted UCC Article 9
  • Certain tax considerations unique to Illinois, including those that affect trusts, real estate transfers, and special purpose vehicles
  • Consumer protection regulations, especially when transactions involve residential mortgages and consumer receivables
Legal practitioners must also consider how Illinois courts interpret contracts, handle defaults, and address insolvency proceedings under both state and federal law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is structured finance?

Structured finance is a financial technique involving the pooling of assets and subsequent repackaging into securities for investors, often used to manage risk and raise capital.

Who are the typical parties involved in a structured finance transaction in Illinois?

Typical participants include originators, sponsors, issuers, investors, trustees, servicers, rating agencies, and legal counsel. Public authorities may be involved in municipal or infrastructure deals.

Is structured finance the same as traditional lending?

No, structured finance uses advanced techniques to manage cash flows and risks, often involving multiple parties, special purpose entities, and asset-backed securities, unlike traditional bank loans.

What legal risks should I be aware of in Illinois?

Key risks include non-compliance with state or federal securities laws, improper collateralization, enforceability issues, regulatory action, and disputes over the interpretation of contracts.

Are there registration requirements for structured finance deals in Illinois?

Yes, securities offerings may need registration under the Illinois Securities Law unless an exemption applies. Some intermediaries and entities may require state licensing or registration.

How are special purpose vehicles (SPVs) regulated?

SPVs must be structured in compliance with applicable Illinois corporate, trust, and tax laws, in addition to relevant federal regulations. Proper formation and maintenance are critical.

How does the Illinois Uniform Commercial Code affect structured finance?

Illinois UCC Article 9 governs security interests in personal property, including the assignment and perfection of receivables used in structured finance transactions.

What happens if there is a default or dispute?

Illinois law, the UCC, and transaction documents outline remedies in the event of default. Disputes are typically resolved through negotiation, arbitration, or litigation in Illinois courts.

Are there Illinois-specific tax implications?

Yes, Illinois taxes may apply to certain transfers, income, or property involved in structured finance deals. Tax counsel familiar with Illinois law should be consulted early in the process.

Can I handle a structured finance transaction without a lawyer in Illinois?

Because these transactions are complex and highly regulated, it is not recommended to proceed without experienced legal counsel familiar with Illinois law.

Additional Resources

Consider reaching out to these resources for further information or guidance:

  • Illinois Secretary of State - Securities Department
  • Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
  • Illinois State Bar Association - Business and Securities Law Section
  • Chicago Bar Association
  • American Bar Association - Structured Finance and Securitization Committee
  • Federal agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)
  • Professional organizations specializing in finance, such as the Structured Finance Association

Next Steps

If you are considering a structured finance transaction or facing a related legal challenge in Illinois, begin by assessing your needs and gathering all relevant documentation. Contact a qualified Illinois attorney who specializes in structured finance for a consultation. The lawyer can analyze your situation, help you understand your rights and obligations, and guide you through the appropriate legal, tax, and regulatory steps. Early legal involvement can help structure your transaction efficiently, manage risk, and ensure compliance with all applicable laws.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Illinois through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Structured Finance, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Illinois, United States - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.