Mark Nicolaides joined the firm Latham & Watkins yesterday after ending his 20-year career at Mayer Brown Rowe & Maw last May. Nicolades joins the firm as a partner in the finance department and his is expected to boost the firm's presence in the European securitization market. Nicolaides specializes in structured finance and in representing financial institutions and companies, with specific expertise in structuring and documenting conduits and structured investment vehicles, CDOs and ABS backed by a wide variety of assets, including European multi-country trade and auto loan and lease receivables. He is seen as an expert in Basel II, specifically regarding regulatory capital requirements for banks. "Mark adds formidable securitization expertise to our London office," commented James Chesterman, chair of the firm's London finance department. "His addition to the team will greatly enhance our ability to advise our banking and corporate clients on all types of complex financing transactions required globally. Latham has a vibrant practice advising on complex transactions and in working with market and product innovations --- Mark's depth of experience and market knowledge will bolster our European growth strategy."