Latham & Watkins LLP: Doran James W

For businesses and financial institutions across Illinois, the landscape of banking and commercial finance is constantly evolving, presenting both immense opportunities and complex legal challenges. Navigating these intricacies requires the guidance of seasoned legal professionals who possess a deep understanding of financial markets and regulatory frameworks. This article highlights James W. Doran, a highly experienced and respected finance partner at Latham & Watkins LLP, located in the vibrant legal hub of Chicago. With a career spanning decades, James W. Doran has been a pivotal figure in advising clients on sophisticated credit facilities and complex financial transactions, making him an invaluable resource for the Illinois business community.

Latham & Watkins LLP is a globally recognized law firm, consistently ranked among the top legal service providers worldwide. Its Chicago office serves as a crucial cornerstone of its global operations, delivering comprehensive legal solutions across a multitude of practice areas. James W. Doran, drawing on his extensive experience, has played a significant role in solidifying the firm's reputation in the banking and commercial finance sector. His practice focuses primarily on representing banks, commercial finance companies, and other financial institutions, as well as borrowers, in structuring and underwriting various credit facilities.

James W. Doran's expertise is particularly notable in secured and unsecured credit facilities, which are fundamental to many significant business operations. He has frequently represented lead lenders and agents in structuring and underwriting syndicated loan transactions, including those related to leveraged change-of-control transactions and recapitalizations of both public and privately held companies. Furthermore, his proficiency extends to managing loan restructurings and workouts, a critical area for companies navigating financial challenges or seeking to optimize their debt structures. For clients in Illinois, this means having access to an attorney who can provide strategic, forward-thinking advice tailored to their specific financial objectives and risk profiles.

Prior to joining Latham & Watkins in 1997, James W. Doran was a senior partner in the commercial finance practice at Winston & Strawn, another prominent law firm. This background further underscores his profound experience and long-standing dedication to the field of finance law. His consistent engagement in complex and high-value transactions speaks to his ability to manage intricate legal and financial details, ensuring favorable outcomes for his clients.

Beyond his professional accolades, Latham & Watkins LLP maintains a strong commitment to pro bono work and community service. This dedication to giving back aligns with the values often held by businesses and individuals in Illinois, reinforcing the firm's standing as a responsible and engaged member of the local and global communities.

The Chicago office of Latham & Watkins LLP, where James W. Doran practices, is strategically situated to offer excellent accessibility for clients across Illinois. The address is:

• 330 N Wabash Ave #2800, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

This prime location in downtown Chicago ensures convenient access for clients traveling from various parts of the city and its surrounding suburbs. The building is well-served by Chicago’s extensive public transportation network, including several CTA train lines (such as the Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple Lines via the Merchandise Mart stop, and the Red Line via the Grand/State stop) and numerous bus routes. This makes it a straightforward journey for those commuting from diverse areas within Illinois. For individuals who prefer to drive, there are multiple parking facilities available in the vicinity, adding to the ease of access. The central and accessible placement of the office is a significant advantage, allowing businesses and financial institutions to easily reach James W. Doran and the Latham & Watkins team for crucial consultations, negotiations, and important meetings, thereby streamlining their legal processes and minimizing logistical challenges.

James W. Doran, as a finance partner at Latham & Watkins LLP, offers a highly specialized array of legal services focused on banking and commercial finance. His expertise is invaluable for financial institutions and corporate borrowers in Illinois seeking sophisticated counsel for complex credit transactions and financial restructuring.

• Structuring, Arranging, and Underwriting Credit Facilities: Advising banks, commercial finance companies, and other financial institutions on the intricate legal aspects of structuring, arranging, and underwriting secured and unsecured credit facilities. This includes developing appropriate terms and documentation for various lending arrangements.
• Syndicated Loan Transactions: Representing lead lenders and agents in the structuring and underwriting of syndicated loans, which involve multiple lenders providing a single loan to a borrower. This often includes complex intercreditor arrangements.
• Leveraged Change-of-Control Transactions: Providing legal guidance on the financing aspects of leveraged buyouts and other transactions where a company's ownership changes hands, often involving significant debt.
• Recapitalizations of Public and Privately Held Companies: Assisting companies in restructuring their debt and equity capital structures, whether they are publicly traded or privately owned, to optimize financial performance or prepare for other strategic initiatives.
• Loan Restructurings and Work-outs: Advising both lenders and borrowers on distressed debt situations, including negotiating and documenting loan modifications, forbearance agreements, and other strategies to resolve financial difficulties and avoid bankruptcy.
• Representing Financial Institutions: A core part of his practice involves acting for a wide range of financial sector clients, including major banks, investment banks, and commercial finance firms.
• Advising Corporate Borrowers: Representing companies seeking financing, ensuring their interests are protected in negotiations with lenders and that financing terms align with their business objectives.
• General Commercial Finance Matters: Providing comprehensive legal advice on a broad spectrum of commercial finance issues, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

James W. Doran's practice at Latham & Watkins LLP is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore his significant value to clients in Illinois.

• Extensive Experience: James W. Doran has practiced law since 1981 and specifically in the banking and commercial finance practice area since 1987. This long tenure provides him with a deep, nuanced understanding of the evolution of finance law and market practices, allowing him to navigate complex scenarios with seasoned expertise.
• Focus on Secured and Unsecured Credit Facilities: His primary focus on these fundamental types of credit arrangements means he possesses specialized knowledge that is crucial for a vast array of financial transactions, from standard loans to more intricate leveraged financings.
• Representation of Lead Lenders and Agents: Frequently representing lead lenders and agents in syndicated loan transactions highlights his role in large, multi-party financing deals. This experience gives him a comprehensive perspective on the dynamics and complexities of such arrangements, benefiting all parties he advises.
• Expertise in Leveraged Transactions and Recapitalizations: His work on leveraged change-of-control transactions and recapitalizations of both public and privately held companies demonstrates his capability in high-stakes, transformative financial events that require precise legal structuring.
• Proficiency in Loan Restructurings and Work-outs: In challenging economic times or for companies facing financial distress, his ability to handle loan restructurings and workouts is invaluable. This expertise helps clients find viable solutions and avoid more drastic measures like bankruptcy.
• Previous Senior Partnership: His background as a senior partner in commercial finance at Winston & Strawn before joining Latham & Watkins in 1997 further solidifies his reputation and extensive experience in the field, showcasing a consistent trajectory of leadership and expertise.
• Seamless Global Firm Support: While based in Chicago, his affiliation with Latham & Watkins means clients benefit from the firm's vast global resources and integrated approach, providing access to international expertise for cross-border financial matters.

As a highly experienced finance partner at Latham & Watkins LLP, James W. Doran provides premier legal services for complex banking and commercial finance matters. In this specialized area of law, the value is derived from strategic expertise and the successful navigation of high-stakes financial transactions, rather than from consumer-oriented promotions or special discounts. Therefore, traditional "promotions" are not typically part of his service offerings.

However, clients in Illinois can expect to gain significant value through:

• Risk Mitigation and Compliance: His profound understanding of regulatory requirements and market practices helps clients structure deals that minimize legal risks and ensure compliance, thereby preventing potentially costly future disputes or penalties.
• Strategic Transaction Structuring: Leveraging his extensive experience, James W. Doran designs and implements sophisticated financing structures that are tailored to achieve clients' specific business objectives, optimizing financial outcomes and increasing efficiency in complex deals.
• Efficient Dispute Resolution and Workout Expertise: In cases of financial distress, his ability to manage loan restructurings and workouts effectively can save businesses substantial time and resources, providing viable paths forward in challenging circumstances.
• Access to Global Resources: Clients benefit from the integrated resources of Latham & Watkins' global platform, ensuring comprehensive support for any domestic or international finance-related legal needs.

For businesses and financial institutions in Illinois seeking top-tier legal advice for their most critical banking and commercial finance endeavors, the investment in James W. Doran's expertise translates into secure, strategically advantageous, and efficiently executed financial transactions.

For businesses and financial institutions throughout Illinois seeking expert legal counsel from James W. Doran for banking and commercial finance matters, connecting with his office in Chicago is straightforward. The contact details are provided below:

• Address: 330 N Wabash Ave #2800, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
• Phone: (312) 876-7700
• Mobile Phone: +1 312-876-7700

Prospective clients are encouraged to reach out via phone during business hours to discuss their specific legal needs. The professional team at Latham & Watkins can assist with initial inquiries and facilitate a consultation with James W. Doran or another relevant finance attorney. This direct access ensures that clients in Illinois can readily connect with a highly qualified legal expert for their significant financial transactions and concerns.

For businesses and financial institutions across Illinois, engaging James W. Doran at Latham & Watkins LLP offers a distinct advantage, making him an ideal choice for complex banking and commercial finance needs. His strategic location in downtown Chicago provides easy access for clients throughout the state, ensuring that premier legal expertise is conveniently within reach.

What makes James W. Doran particularly suitable for locals is his profound and long-standing experience in the finance sector. His ability to adeptly handle everything from syndicated loan transactions to intricate loan restructurings means that Illinois companies, whether they are lenders or borrowers, can rely on his strategic guidance to navigate their most critical financial endeavors. His deep understanding of both public and private company transactions, including leveraged change-of-control deals, ensures that clients receive tailored and effective legal solutions that are aligned with their specific business objectives.

Moreover, his background as a senior partner at another esteemed firm before joining Latham & Watkins underscores his proven track record and leadership in the field. For any entity in Illinois that requires sophisticated legal counsel to secure, manage, or restructure significant credit facilities, partnering with James W. Doran provides a powerful strategic advantage, making him an exceptional choice for those seeking top-tier legal support in the dynamic world of finance.