Morgan Lewis’s structured transactions practice welcomed back Edward J.L. (Jay) Southgate as a partner resident in the firm’s New York office. Jay, who rejoins the firm from Dechert’s global finance practice, represents financial institutions, issuers and underwriters in private placements of residential mortgage and asset-backed securities with a particular focus on consumer lending and fintech. Jay will be joined by of counsel Victoria Kaplan, resident in Philadelphia.
“Jay’s return brings valuable experience and a diversified practice that reflects the evolving needs of our structured transactions clients,” Jami McKeon, chair of the firm, said. “His deep knowledge of RMBS, fintech, and solar asset financings will complement our existing strengths and further enhance the breadth of our structured offerings across asset classes.”
Jay also counsels clients on structuring and negotiating flow purchase and servicing arrangements with platform originators as well as warehouse financing transactions across a wide array of asset classes, including credit card and equipment receivables. Jay previously worked in the investment management division of Goldman Sachs, with an emphasis on alternative capital markets and regulatory compliance issues.
“As we approach the midpoint of 2025, the ABS market, CMBS issuance, and new CLO activity continue to show strong momentum,” Mark Riccardi, global leader of the firm’s structured transactions practice, said. “We are excited to welcome Jay back and Victoria to the team and look forward to their valuable insights as our clients pursue successful deals and offerings both in the U.S. and internationally.”
Their arrival follows a number of key additions the Chambers Global Band 1 practice has made including Brandon Figg in Washington, DC; David Sylofski in New York; and Dasha Sobornova in London.
