The ArentFox Schiff Finance team structures and executes complex financing transactions for a wide range of financial institutions. We represent insurance companies, private debt funds, banks and other institutional investors, delivering practical, business-focused advice aligned with each client’s objectives and risk management concerns. We also counsel issuers and borrowers through evolving financial landscapes, helping them access capital efficiently and with confidence.
Our finance practice is known for its collaborative and responsive approach. We anticipate challenges and develop legal solutions that facilitate transactions and reduce risk. When navigating sophisticated deal structures or engaging in time-sensitive negotiations, we offer transparent communication, market knowledge, and steady execution to every engagement.
ArentFox Schiff lawyers are consistently recognized as leaders in finance and our partners are active leaders in the profession, as Board Members and Fellows of the American College of Investment Counsel (ACIC).
What Do We Do?
Our finance practice is defined by the qualities that drive successful outcomes in complex transactions:
- Deep Market Insight: We combine current market intelligence with decades of experience to identify issues early, evaluate alternatives, and deliver sound, actionable solutions.
- Tailored Service: Our attorneys understand that no two transactions are alike. We design strategies specific to each deal, ensuring our approach aligns with client priorities.
- Steady Leadership: In fast-moving and high-pressure environments, we provide consistency and pragmatic guidance so that transactions remain on track and continue to move forward.
- Trusted Relationships: Understanding the importance to our clients of strong working relationships with other parties to a transaction, we prioritize credibility, responsiveness, and innovative problem-solving with the goal of building common ground among parties.
- Efficient Delivery: Our experience and knowledge of the market allow us to move quickly and decisively. We identify issues early and zero in on crucial aspects of each transaction, which fosters a cost-effective and straightforward client experience.
Private Placements
For more than 50 years, we have advised on private placement transactions, collaborating with investors, issuers, and placement agents across domestic and cross-border deals. We help structure and evaluate financing terms, enabling clients to assess risk and make informed investment decisions. Our team represents most of the largest institutional investors in the private placement market.
Mezzanine & Junior Capital
We have a preeminent nationally recognized practice representing clients in a broad range of junior capital transactions, including senior subordinated and junior subordinated debt facilities (secured and unsecured), holdco and PIK note facilities, preferred securities (including various classes of stock and LLC interests) as well as common securities (including warrants, options and other equity kickers, direct co-investments and control investments) and NAV loans. Our work spans the full life of the loan or investment transaction—from early-stage diligence and commitment, through closing and exit, including, when necessary, workouts, restructurings and recapitalizations. We bring an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to complex and highly negotiated transactions.
Syndicated & Leveraged Finance; Private Credit
We represent agents, arrangers, lenders, and borrowers in traditional syndicated and private credit transactions. Our work includes structuring and negotiating revolving credit facilities, term loans, and letters of credit facilities, as well as asset-based lending, subscription facilities, securitizations, and other structured finance transactions. We regularly advise on leveraged buyouts, unitranche and one-stop financings, and second lien structures.
Public Finance
We maintain a leading public finance practice, representing the underlying borrowers, creditors and investment banks across a wide variety of transactions. We are particularly recognized for our work as counsel to trustees, institutional investors, public agencies, and conduit borrowers in restructuring public finance debt. We also act as bond counsel, underwriters’ counsel, and issuer’s counsel on a variety of public purpose and private activity bond financings.
Issuers & Borrowers
We counsel issuers and borrowers across industries—including private equity, manufacturing, REITs, financial services, and public sector entities—on public and private capital-raising strategies. We focus on understanding each client’s objectives and delivering informed, strategic guidance on financing options and execution.
Debt Capital Markets
We advise issuers and investors on public and private debt offerings, including high-yield, convertible, and equity-linked securities, as well as shelf offerings. We also counsel on transactions tied to stock repurchase programs, including tender offers and accelerated buybacks.
Workouts & Restructurings
We represent creditors, trustees, municipalities, governmental agencies and borrowers in restructurings, workouts, foreclosure and bankruptcy matters. Our experience includes debtor-in-possession and exit financing, intercreditor arrangements, forbearance agreements, and enforcement matters across corporate, real estate, and public finance transactions.
