Thomas H. French
Partner, Corporate & Financial Services
Thomas H. French is a partner in the Corporate & Financial Services Department and is Co-Chair of the firm's Structured Finance & Derivatives Practice Group. He focuses on complex derivatives, asset backed commercial paper programs and esoteric asset-structured financings. Tom regularly advises some of the largest hedge funds, investment banks and issuers in connection with securitizations, asset backed commercial paper programs and swap transactions. Tom has been consistently recognized by Best Lawyers in America for his work in the area of Securitization and Structured Finance Law.
Structured Products
Tom represents hedge funds, investment banks and issuers in connection with the securitization and financing of diverse asset types ranging from life insurance policies to taxi medallions. He represents asset-backed commercial paper programs in the creation and operation of ABCP programs and companies engaging in a whole business securitization. Tom regularly represents managers and investors in CDO structural and management issues and advises on residential mortgage backed securities put-back issues.
Derivatives
Tom represents hedge funds, operating companies and investment banks in connection with swap transactions ranging from interest rate hedges to credit default swaps strategies and total rate of return swaps. His practice includes both the negotiation of swap transactions as well as regulatory compliance with derivatives.
Experience
Tom is a member of the American College of Investment Counsel (2003 annual meeting co-chair), the Commercial Mortgage Securities Association, the International Swaps and Derivatives Association and the New York State and American Bar Associations. He has spoken at numerous conferences and seminars on various issues regarding asset-backed and commercial mortgage securitizations, including the securitization of esoteric assets, aircraft leases, charged-off credit card receivables, and franchise loans
- Issuer’s counsel in a $5 billion, cross-border whole business securitization.
- Representation of Natixis and its $5 billion Versailles multi-seller, asset backed commercial paper program.
- Fund counsel in $3 billion life settlements fund.
- Representations in connection with over $600 billion of residential mortgage securities put back claims.
Credentials
Education
Vermont Law School, J.D., 1993 University of Wisconsin, B.A., 1987