Commercial Lending and Leasing
We represent a highly diverse group of commercial lenders and leasing companies in both the documentation of credit facilities and workouts or litigation of special assets. The group also represents buyers and sellers of individual loans and loan portfolios.
Our clients include banks, finance companies, commercial leasing companies, commercial lenders, as well as private equity funds and individuals. Our lender representation in real estate-related loans is particularly extensive, with experience in construction financing, permanent financing, mezzanine loans, and various hybrid finance products. Our attorneys are proficient in many complex areas, including technology lending, condominium lending, contractor lending, construction lending, and financing of other lenders (e.g., mortgage-based lenders) and loans in connection with Employee Stock Ownership Plans (“ESOP”) plans. Our team also offers a wealth of experience in understanding government-backed loans, including 7a, 504, B&I loan programs, construction, and “piggyback” programs offered through the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Hard Money Lending / Private Money Lending
Whether you call it “hard money lending” or “private money lending,” there is no doubt you are assuming more risk and increasing the potential for litigation.
Levenfeld Pearlstein works with a wide range of hard money lenders, including real estate lenders, equipment lenders, commercial and industrial lenders, finance companies, conventional banks, and family offices to provide experienced counsel and hands-on support for:
- Structuring the loan
- Assessing risks
- Drafting the necessary and appropriate documents
- Properly securing the collateral
- Closing the deal
- Handling default, forbearance and workout strategies, litigation (including bankruptcy), and disposition of the collateral assets once recovered
We start by assessing the opportunity and risk, based not only on the initial terms but also on the likelihood of recovery – including timeline and costs of seeking recovery – should the loan default.
Our ability to move quickly, provide a single and experienced point of contact, and have a single lead partner handle both the deal documents and the litigation or workout process makes Levenfeld Pearlstein your go-to legal firm for private money lending.