David W. Forti Named to Dechert Finance & Real Estate Practice Leadership

Dechert LLP named partner David W. Forti co-leader of the firm’s Finance and Real Estate practice group. Mr. Forti joins partner Richard D. Jones to implement the group’s strategic vision – providing clients with innovative deal structuring, creative financing strategies and efficient execution. This group encompasses more than 140 legal professionals based in the world’s major financial centers reporting into Mr. Forti and Mr. Jones.

“In 2018, our group added new lateral partners in Dubai, London, Paris and Chicago, and, combined with other internal promotions and recruiting efforts, grew our legal staff by almost 20%,” said Mr. Forti. “I am looking forward to working with Rick to strengthen our global finance platform and reach new heights in 2019 by helping our global client base execute their most strategic and complicated transactions.”

Mr. Forti focuses his practice in the areas of real estate finance and securitization, and has led the firm’s 40+ lawyer team focused on the origination of large commercial real estate loans for 10 years. He has a specialty in large loans intended for single asset securitization execution, and he routinely works with industry-leading lenders, securitization issuers, debt funds and B-piece buyers on their most sophisticated finance matters.

“I am thrilled that Dave is joining me at the helm of our internationally recognized global finance practice,” added Jones, who has led this group since 1996. “He has consistently demonstrated leadership across the firm including four years of service on the firm’s Policy Committee. This announcement simply formalizes his role on our team.” 

Dechert’s finance capabilities are focused on commercial real estate finance, collateralized loan obligations, commercial mortgage-backed securitization and asset-backed securitization. The group is comprised of many industry leading lawyers including Laura Swihart (head of the Dechert’s CMBS team), John Timperio (head of the firm’s CLO practice) and Malcolm Dorris (head of Dechert’s ABS team). The global finance team advises leading investment banks, commercial banks, insurance companies, REITs and other public and privately held corporations, private equity sponsors, hedge funds, debt funds, mezzanine lenders, alternate lenders and other market participants.

About Dechert

Dechert is a leading global law firm with 27 offices around the world. We advise on matters and transactions of the greatest complexity, bringing energy, creativity and efficient management of legal issues to deliver
commercial and practical advice for clients.