Equipment finance companies and banks rely on Merrick Benn to provide real-world solutions to everyday business challenges, balancing risk management with helping companies grow.

Merrick has more than 20 years of experience representing some of the most active bank-affiliated and large, independent equipment financing companies in the US in developing standard lease and syndication documentation, including the implementation of titling trusts.

With more than 20 years of transactional finance experience, Shari’s detail oriented, responsive and "get it done" approach has earned her the trust of her clients.

She represents lenders and lessors in all aspects of equipment finance transactions with an emphasis on transportation assets including aircraft (corporate and commercial), rail equipment, locomotives and railcars, vessels (barges and tankers), and specialty assets. Shari also has significant experience with financing energy generators, storage tanks, computer hardware, mining equipment, trucks, and manufacturing and construction equipment.

Clients in the equipment finance world rely on Jill to get their deals done. Her practice encompasses nearly every aspect of equipment financing transactions, both domestic and cross-border, and over the course of her career she has represented lessors, lenders, lessees, borrowers, and credit support providers, giving her important insights into the needs of each of the parties to a transaction.  

While particularly passionate about transportation assets – aircraft (commercial and corporate), marine vessels (barges and tankers), vehicles and other heavy equipment, locomotives and railcars – there are very few equipment classes she hasn’t financed. 

Mike represents lenders, investors, underwriters, issuers, borrowers, and other participants in taxable and tax-exempt transactions for infrastructure projects, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, manufacturing, transportation, and health and higher education facilities, among others. His experience includes public offerings and private placements of transactions that utilize state and local incentives, federal tax credits and other enhancements.

A partner in the Firm's Capital Markets group, Paul Fogleman represents banks, non-traditional lenders, and borrowers in a variety of finance transactions, including term and revolving facilities, construction facilities, asset-based lending, and receivables financing.

Jeff Lawyer is a veteran tax attorney focusing on transactional tax planning since 1986. Jeff regularly counsels clients on the use of pass-through entities in joint ventures and investment transactions, including structuring distribution and allocation provisions of partnership and limited liability company agreements for real estate and private equity transactions.

Rachel is a transactional attorney with more than a decade of experience in banking and finance, commercial contracts, corporate governance and real estate. She represents lenders, borrowers and sponsors in a wide range of commercial lending and secured transactions. Rachel guides clients through asset-based middle market lending, private client and cross-border financing, real estate lending, acquisition financing and syndicated credit arrangements.

Marina is a versatile “planes, trains and automobiles” attorney who keeps the country – and the world – moving. Her practice focuses on financial transactions that encompass all types of equipment, including aircraft (corporate and commercial), rail equipment, vehicles (trucks and tractors/trailers), vessels, mining equipment, chemical manufacturing equipment, and solar energy installations, to name a few. 

Sylvester is an associate in our Winston-Salem office, who assists clients with a diverse range of finance and general corporate matters. Prior to joining Womble Bond Dickinson and graduating from the University of North Carolina School of Law, he worked as a paralegal in the New York office of a global law firm in the tax controversy area.

As a member of the capital markets team, Dillon assists with all aspects of financing transactions for financial institutions and other lenders, including the documentation and negotiation of large commercial real estate secured loans, middle market credit facilities and loan modifications and amendments. He also represents lenders and lessors in equipment finance transactions with an emphasis on transportation assets such as aircraft, rail equipment, vessels and other assets.

Jamie Stone counsels clients in sophisticated corporate transactions, including negotiation of commercial contracts, structuring and governance of corporate entities, and in merger and acquisition activities. Her practice has a specific focus on supply chain matters, in which Jamie addresses legal and business concerns beginning with product development, all the way through production, supply and product support. 

Our attorneys aren't content sitting on the sidelines. They provide updates on the latest legal matters regarding equipment finance, and ensure clients are informed and prepared for next steps. Here are some of the latest thought leadership pieces from our Equipment Finance team.

• Preventing and Detecting Fraud in Aircraft Sales and Financing Transactions
• Transacting in a Remote Work Environment: A Primer on Electronic Transactions and Electronic Signatures
• Federal Judge Confirms That Syndicated Loans Are Not Securities
• Will Demand for Private Aircraft Rise Post COVID-19?

COVID-19’s massive disruption to the global economy is being acutely felt in the equipment finance industry. Banks and other financers have had to quickly pivot to an unpredictable economy, all while racing to meet the demands of urgent client needs and new government programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program and the Main Street Lending Program. Our attorneys are committed to helping clients navigate the financial implications of the pandemic in an ever-changing landscape.

• Coronavirus Stimulus Legislation: A Primer on Phase 5 Negotiations (Part I)
• Coronavirus Stimulus Legislation: A Primer on Phase 5 Negotiations (Part II)
• Coronavirus Stimulus Legislation: A Primer on Phase 5 Negotiations (Part III)
• Coronavirus Stimulus Legislation: Tax Credits and Other Business Programs
• Main Street Lending Program Expands (Again!)
• UPDATE - SBA Releases Updated Necessity Certification Guidance - Threshold for Reviewing PPP Loans Set at $2 Million and Safe Harbor Extended to May 18, 2020

As one of the largest transatlantic firms with deep experience in the financial markets, we provide hands-on, switched-on legal advice with a personalized touch across a wide range of services for financial clients, including litigation, transactions, regulatory matters and more. Click here to learn more about our Financial Services team.

With LIBOR coming to an end, many jurisdictions have established their own alternative interest rate benchmarks for their respective currencies. Our attorneys are keeping up with the latest developments as we move towards the deadline. Click here for more content surrounding the LIBOR transition.