Dechert Expands Real Estate Finance Practice in New York

NEW YORK, January 10, 2020—Dechert LLP announced today that Barbara Shachnow has joined the firm’s global finance practice as a New York partner focused on commercial real estate finance. She joins alongside counsel Teresa Long.

For over three decades, Ms. Shachnow has advised investment banks, commercial banks, private equity funds, insurance companies and other institutional lenders, as well as institutional real estate investors and developers, in investments in and the acquisition, disposition and financing of commercial real estate in all asset classes. She also advises on the workout and restructuring of troubled real estate loans and investments.

Ms. Long is a seasoned commercial real estate finance attorney experienced in representing both lenders and borrowers in a wide range of transactions, including on the origination and securitization of complex commercial mortgage and mezzanine loans (both CMBS and portfolio financings) with collateral covering a wide range of asset classes throughout the United States, as well as construction lending and high yield bridge lending.

David Forti, global co-chair of Dechert’s finance practice group commented, "We are excited to welcome Barbara and Teri to the firm. Their extensive and varied knowledge across a wide range of asset classes in the commercial real estate space, particularly in New York, will further enhance the ability of our practice to advise clients on their most strategic and complex transactions.”

“Dechert is the ideal platform to serve clients across their spectrum of needs,” Ms. Shachnow said. “I’m very excited to work with my new colleagues, and my longtime colleague and friend Teri, to counsel our clients on their most sophisticated real estate matters.”

“I’m very pleased to join Dechert alongside Barbara, and look forward to working with the talented Dechert team,” Ms. Long added.

Ms. Shachnow received a J.D. from Columbia University Law School and a B.A. cum laude from Barnard College. She was formerly a partner with another international law firm in New York.

Ms. Long received a J.D. from Pace University School of Law and a B.A. from Marymount College. She was formerly counsel with another international law firm in New York.

Dechert’s finance capabilities concentrate on commercial real estate finance, collateralized loan obligations, commercial mortgage-backed securitization and asset-backed securitization. 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 26 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.