Berkovich focuses on complex structured finance transactions, specifically broadly syndicated and middle-market collateralized loan obligations; both first mortgage and mezzanine commercial real estate loan securitizations (CRE CLOs/CDOs); as well as rated and unrated leveraged loan and commercial real estate loan warehouse facilities.
In terms of CLOs, he was principal outside counsel to a major investment bank in developing its CLO and warehousing platform.
In the CRE CLO/CDO area, Berkovich was a key part in structuring and negotiating both one of the first such deals to happen since the financial crisis and one of the first such transactions backed primarily by mezzanine loans since the crisis.
The new hire also has extensive expertise in derivative products including credit default swaps, total return swaps, interest rate swaps and currency swaps, revolving, delayed draw and principal-protected tranches and federal securities laws.
“Larry has extensive experience and a proven record of success in handling a wide range of complex structured finance matters for domestic and international financial institutions, with a particular emphasis on CLO transactions,” said Carol Hitselberger, Charlotte office leader of the firm's banking and finance practice. “Given the re-emergence and rapid growth of the CLO market, Larry’s deep knowledge will be an invaluable asset to clients in Charlotte and around the world.”
“Mayer Brown’s strong Banking & Finance practice and international footprint provide the ideal platform for me to leverage my extensive CLO and general structured finance experience to provide superior client service while expanding my practice,” Berkovich said. “I look forward to working with my new colleagues in Charlotte and around the world to add further depth and breadth to the firm’s structured finance offerings.”
