Laura Swihart Named to Dechert’s Global Finance Practice Group Leadership

Dechert has named partner Laura Swihart as co-chair of the firm’s global finance practice group. Ms. Swihart joins partner David W. Forti to implement the group’s strategic vision – providing clients with innovative deal structuring, creative financing strategies and efficient execution. The group encompasses more than 150 legal professionals based in the world’s major financial centers.

Ms. Swihart, a member of the firm’s Policy Committee, focuses on commercial real estate finance and securitization matters. She regularly represents issuers, underwriters, mortgage loan sellers and subordinate bond buyers in connection with commercial mortgage backed securitization transactions and commercial real estate CLOs. She has represented joint ventures and entities in connection with the creation of commercial mortgage loan origination platforms, including the negotiation of organizational documents, the creation of internal underwriting and closing processes and the creation of form closing documents. 

Ms. Swihart has been recognized for real estate and structured finance by The Legal 500 (U.S.) since 2015. Ms. Swihart is ranked as a highly regarded structured finance and securitization lawyer by IFLR1000. She is also recognized for her work within CMBS and was named a "2016 Client Service All-Star” by BTI Consulting Group. In 2017, Ms. Swihart was named among the Women Worth Watching by Profiles in Diversity Journal.  

Ms. Swihart is the current CREFC Women's Network Chair-Elect.

“I'm very excited to lead our team into 2021 and beyond,” said Ms. Swihart. “My partner and friend Rick Jones has done a tremendous job in this role for the past 20 years. As he transitions into leading our CMBS efforts, I am eager to continue Dechert's tradition of excellence in providing strategic advice and exemplary service.”

Dechert’s finance capabilities concentrate 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 Richard Jones (head of Dechert’s CMBS team), Chris Duerden & John Timperio (head of the Dechert structured credit & CLO practice), Matt Hays (head of Dechert’s ABS team) and Jason Rozes (head of Dechert’s CREF practice). 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.