Best Lawyers in America for Banking and Finance Law

With a practice focus on Banking and Financial Services, William Shield, Jr. has served as counsel to agent bank and bank groups in numerous commercial lending transactions, including restructurings and other refinancings, secured and unsecured credits, acquisition and spin off financings, international multiple borrower financings, general working capital facilities, start up and joint venture financings and construction lending. He has extensive experience in asset based and other secured l...

Andrea J. Shaw is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law. Andrea J., who practices law in Portland, Maine, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Andrea J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David S. Landry is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law, Commercial Litigation, Energy Law and Trusts and Estates. David S., who practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Alison M. Davidson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law. Alison M., who practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Alison M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brian P. Foley represents financial institutions, companies, and individuals in real estate matters, with an emphasis on commercial real estate secured financing transactions. He also regularly advises clients, as both lead and local counsel, in purchases and sales of real property (including sales of lender owned property), real estate workouts and foreclosures, loan sales (both performing and distressed), leasing transactions, and other general real estate matters.

Bill is a member of the Financial Services Practice Group and has significant experience in public financing, commercial and investment real estate lending and bankruptcy law. He represents financial institutions in a variety of commercial loans with Native American borrowers and has experience with related commercial lending issues such as waivers of sovereign immunity, submission to jurisdiction, governing law and trust lands.

Dewey J. Gonsoulin Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law and Oil and Gas Law. Dewey J., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Dewey J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kathleen Currey is an attorney with deep experience representing both financial institutions and borrowers in secured lending and restructuring matters. She has helped her clients structure, negotiate, and close numerous complex transactions. Kathleen's proactive and client-focused approach leads to excellent commercial outcomes in her deals. Kathleen's deal experience includes syndicated loan facilities, asset-based financings, lender finance transactions and debtor-in-possession financings ...

Tom Walker is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group. He focuses on commercial and regulatory matters in the financial services industry, with a depth of experience representing financial institutions. Prior to joining the firm, Tom served as executive vice president and director of a community bank in Forest, Mississippi. His experience as general counsel, chief operating officer, chief financial officer, and chief investments officer in the financial services sector enhances his ability ...

Gordon Russell, a founding Director of the Firm, is a member of the Financial Services Practice Group and of the Business and Corporate Transactional Practice Group. Gordon has concentrated his practice on banking and financial institutions, business and corporate, real estate and resolution of distressed assets. He has extensive experience in commercial lending, real estate development and finance, and business transactions. Gordon also maintains a regular general business practice, includin...

With more than 30 years of experience in commercial real estate and financing transactions, Tracy Plott has significant experience in restructuring of debt obligations, bond financing, joint ventures, syndications of loans, limited partnerships, and asset-based financing. Her lending practice encompasses construction, permanent and mezzanine lending, asset-based financing, and synthetic leases. Tracy also represents corporate and other clients in the acquisition, development, leasing, managem...

James F. Raymond is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Real Estate Law and Trusts and Estates. James F., who practices law in Concord, New Hampshire, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Steven Connor is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law. Steven, who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Steven is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

EDWARD J. LEADER counsels clients in all aspects of the acquisition, disposition, financing, development, leasing, construction and exchanging of commercial, industrial, and multi-family real estate. Ed also serves as a business advisor to clients in structuring real estate and other investment transactions. Ed's experience includes commercial finance, loan workouts and foreclosures, real estate bankruptcy issues, tax valuation complaints, and the real estate aspects of corporate acquisitions...

Christian George serves as managing partner of Akerman’s Jacksonville office. Christian has a statewide practice focusing on commercial litigation and creditors’ rights in all courts, including bankruptcy court. Christian routinely represents financial institutions and other lenders, shareholders, members and partners in professional corporations, LLCs and partnerships, as well as all types of businesses, individuals and families in all areas of commercial litigation. Additionally...

Ben has a business-focused practice specializing in the areas of banking and financial services, commercial finance, real estate and corporate law. He advises a wide array of clients in all phases of institutional lending, including loan structuring, negotiating and drafting credit transaction documentation. Additionally, he regularly advises commercial lenders and borrowers with regard to judicial and non-judicial foreclosure proceedings, UCC enforcement, bankruptcy, and has extensive experi...