Laura Swihart, co-chair of Dechert’s global finance and real estate practice groups, focuses on commercial real estate finance and securitization matters. In addition, she serves as a member of the firm's Policy Committee. Ms. Swihart regularly represents issuers, underwriters, mortgage loan sellers and subordinate bond buyers in connection with commercial mortgage-backed securitization transactions. 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.
In addition, Ms. Swihart has represented financial institutions and funds as both seller’s and purchaser’s counsel in connection with the sale and purchase of whole mortgage loans and mezzanine loans and the creation, sale and purchase of pari passu, junior and senior interests in mortgage loans and mezzanine loans. She represents both borrowers and lenders in connection with commercial mortgage loan warehouse facilities and repurchase facilities. Ms. Swihart has also represented numerous borrowers, lenders, issuers and underwriters in connection with the negotiation of repurchase facilities and securitizations secured by non-performing commercial mortgage loans and REO properties.
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.
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