David Forti Passes Global Finance & Real Estate Practice Group Leadership Baton to John Timperio

Timperio joins current co-chair Laura Swihart, named in 2021; he is also the first head of global finance and real estate from the structured credit and CLO side of the practice.

Given the tremendous recent growth in the structured credit and CLO space, as well as the significant growth potential Dechert sees for its client base in the $1.4 trillion private credit market, the firm has named partner John Timperio co-leader of the firm’s global finance and real estate practice group, where he joins current co-chair Laura Swihart. The duo will continue to implement the group’s strategic vision—providing clients with innovative deal structuring, creative financing strategies and efficient execution, and overseeing roughly 200 attorneys in more than 14 offices across five countries.

Timperio, a member of the firm’s Policy Committee and a partner in Dechert’s Charlotte office, has more than 25 years of experience working with some of the world's largest asset managers and investment banks on various types of structured finance solutions, including CLOs and structured loan facilities. He is a leader of Dechert’s structured credit and CLO team, which has not only been ranked one of the most active in the CLO market since it restarted, but also one of the most distinguished in terms of industry awards for best CLO law firm. He is also actively involved in creating permanent capital solutions for various of the firm's 50 plus asset manager clients who currently manage CLOs, including US and EU risk retention compliant structures. He advises managers and borrowers in a variety of fund financing structures, including NAV facilities, collateralized fund obligations and rated feeders.

“As the firm will now be lucky enough to benefit from Dave’s leadership and business instincts more broadly, I look forward to working with Laura to continue to grow and strengthen our global finance and real estate platform, elevating our clients and the full range of their financing transactions to even greater heights,” Timperio said. “One area for the practice that is gaining particular momentum in terms of such growth is the West Coast.”

Along with fellow co-chair elect Mark E. Thierfelder, Forti will succeed current firm leaders Andy J. Levander and Henry N. Nassau when their leadership terms end on June 30, 2023. “While I will maintain my individual practice, staying close to the market and continuing to serve my clients, I am preparing to assume my role as co-chair of the firm beginning in July,” Forti explained. “In terms of the leadership of this group, I could not be handing over my responsibilities to a more qualified—and quality—colleague.”

“I am thrilled to have John join me at the helm,” Swihart added. “As a leader of Dechert’s structured credit and CLO team, he has been at the forefront of the market in terms of developing best practices for CLOs and innovative structured credit products, helping clients respond thoughtfully to changes, risk retention and regulatory issues.”

Dechert’s finance capabilities center around commercial real estate finance, collateralized loan obligations, commercial mortgage-backed securitization, leveraged finance and asset-backed securitization. The global finance and real estate 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 21 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.